HC Deb 16 November 1852 vol 123 cc215-6

House in Committee of Supply.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

moved that Mr. Wilson Patten take the Chair of the Committee.

MR. HUME

seconded the Motion. He was not aware that there was any person better qualified for the office than the hon. Gentleman, whose devotion to the business of the House had been unceasing; and although he (Mr. Hume) regretted the loss from that House of his hon. Friend the late Member for Rochester (Mr. Bernal), still he did not consider that they could have a better chairman than Mr. Wilson Patten.

MR. WILSON PATTEN

(having taken the Chair), read the following extract from the Queen's Speech:— The advancement of the Fine Arts and of Practical Science will be readily recognised by you as worthy of the attention of a great and enlightened nation. I have directed that a comprehensive scheme shall be laid before you, having in view the promotion of these objects, towards which I invite your aid and co-operation. The hon. Gentleman then read the following from the Address in reply:— To assure Her Majesty that we readily recognise that the advancement of the Fine Arts and of Practical Science is worthy of a great and enlightened nation; and to thank Her Majesty for having given directions that a comprehensive scheme shall be laid before us, having in view the promotion of these objects, to which Her Majesty invites our aid and co-operation.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

then moved that a Supply be granted to Her Majesty.

MR. HUME

would remind the Committee that they were not bound by the passage of the Royal Speech just read, to the adoption of any specific scheme for the purpose mentioned; for when the question should come before the House for discussion, it would be his duty to submit a plan for their consideration very different from that which he had understood was suggested, and which, he thought, would be the means of their availing themselves of public property for the purpose, without coming unnecessarily upon the public funds.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, due notice would be given for taking that paragraph of Her Majesty's Speech into consideration.

COLONEL SIBTHORP

wished to express, on the part of some hon. Gentlemen connected with the militia, their discontent that some measures had not been adopted for their attendance, by a deputation, at the solemn ceremony of Thursday next.

Motion agreed to; Resolution to be reported To-morrow. House resumed.