HC Deb 05 April 1853 vol 125 cc591-2
MR. WILSON PATTEN

Sir, I beg to call for the indulgence of the House, while I mention a circumstance of a personal nature, that is connected with the business of the House. At the commence- ment of the present Parliament the House did me the honour to elect me to the office of Chairman of Ways and Means; but I am sorry to find that my health and strength are not equal to the onerous duties of that office. I think it is most respectful to the House to make this announcement now, when I can do so without any public inconvenience being incurred; whereas at a later period of the Session it could not be made without great inconvenience. It was my intention to make some observations to the House regarding the duties of that office; but I shall not now do so, and shall confine myself to the expression of my grateful sense of the confidence reposed in me by the House; and to prevent public inconvenience occurring I will devote myself out of office to the assistance of any Member who shall be appointed to the office.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL

I am sure, Sir, the House has heard with very great regret the statement of my hon. Friend. For the short time he held the office from which he retires he displayed so much judgment that he enabled the House to caary on the business, so far as regards him, most satisfactorily. And I am sure the House will feel we have sustained a great loss in losing the benefit of his conciliating manners and judicious administration of the office.

MR. DISRAELI

May I be permitted, Sir, as I had the honour of moving that Mr. Wilson Patten should take the Chair, to offer to him the thanks of myself and of every Member of the late Government for the kindness with which he came forward to accept it, though he was not insensible that in so doing he was likely to incur great inconvenience and injury to to health. I am sure the House will always recollect the able and efficient manner in which he has discharged his duties; and that on every occasion he will receive that consideration which is due to his high character and important services.