HC Deb 05 February 1852 vol 119 cc185-7

The Order of the Day having been read for taking into consideration the Queen's Speech,

MR. SPEAKER

read the portion of the Speech relating to the Estimates of the present year.

MR. CORNEWALL LEWIS

moved, "that a Supply be granted to Her Majesty."

MR. HUME

begged to ask whether, in presenting the Estimates for the Army and Navy to the House, it was the intention of the Government to carry out any of the recommendations lately made of changes which had been proved to be absolutely necessary by the evidence taken before the Committee which sat three years ago. The evidence taken before that Committee of which he was a Member, showed clearly and distinctly that improvements of great importance, not only with regard to the inefficiency but the economy of both services could be effected. Although that Committee separated last Session under peculiar circumstances, and did not make so full report as was intended, in consequence of the loss of their chairman, they did offer some recommendations, and he wished to know if it would appear from the Estimates whether those recommendations were to be carried out.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that his right hon. Friend (Sir F. Baring) who had moved the Navy Estimates in the two previous Sessions, had then stated what had been done in pursuance of the recommendations of the Committee. The Secretary at War, in moving the Army Estimates last Session, had also shown that the expenditure in that department had been very considerably reduced. As far as he recollected, it appeared from the statements last year, that a considerably increased force would be maintained at an expenditure below that of the previous year. The proper time, however, for any details upon this subject, would be when the Army and Navy Estimates were moved, and he had no doubt they would then be furnished in the fullest manner by his right hon. Friends by whom that duty would be performed.

SIR JOHN PAKINGTON

said, that he wished to put a question to the noble Lord the Chief Commissioner of Works. It had been stated on the previous evening by the hon. Member for Middlesex (Mr. B. Osborne), that one of the chandeliers suspended from the roof of the House had fallen. He should, therefore, be glad to know if the noble Lord was in a position to assure the House that there was no danger of any similar occurrence taking place? He also wished to know whether any means could be taken to make the lamps burn?

LORD SEYMOUR

said, that having heard the report that a chandelier had fallen upon the floor of the House, he sent for Mr. Barry, who, in reply to a question upon the subject, presented him with a paper (signed by the contractor, the clerk of the works, the foreman, and every one engaged in the building) denying that such was the fact. On the 3rd of January a workman let fall a piece of iron, which went through the floor of the House, and this might have given rise to the report. The defective burning of the lamps arose, he understood, partly from there having been a leakage of the gas, and partly from its not having been possible for the gas-fitters to complete their work within the time expected.

MR. BERNAL OSBORNE

said, that he did not make the statement with reference to the fall of the chandelier on his own responsibility; he had it from a Member of the Government, the noble Lord the Member for Lichfield (Lord Anson), who told it to him upon the authority of the seconder of the Address (Mr. Carter).

Committee thereupon To-morrow.

The House adjourned at a quarter after Five o'clock.