HC Deb 13 May 1862 vol 166 c1617
MR. BENTINCK

said, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is true that Mr. George Linnæus Banks has been placed on the Civil List for a pension of £50 per annum?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, that no pension had been awarded to Mr. Banks. Representations had been made to him that Mr. Banks, being a man of considerable literary attainments, who had devoted much time to literature, and also to the extension and encouragement of mechanics' institutes, had therefore rendered great public service; but that, from peculiar circumstances, he had been reduced to such a condition that a small grant from the Royal bounty would be well bestowed. A grant of £50 from the Royal bounty had been accordingly made; but it was not an annual pension, and did not involve any further grant.