HC Deb 27 June 1872 vol 212 cc333-5

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Clause 3.

MR. BAILLIE COCHRANE

proposed in page 2, line 2, to leave out the word "fifteen," and insert "twelve," with the view of enabling an annual increment of pension to be given to Governors after 12 years' service.

Amendment proposed, in page 2, line 2, to leave out the word "fifteen," in order to insert the word "twelve."—(Mr. Baillie Cochrane.)

MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN

said, he must oppose the Amendment. The Bill passed in 1865 gave Colonial Governors a maximum pension after 18 years' service, and a minimum after 12. There was a jump from 12 to 18, but no intermediate step. Now, it seemed to the Colonial Office that if a man had served 15 years, it was rather hard that he should still receive only the minimum pension, and, therefore, it was now proposed to give an annual increment after 15 years' service, but calculated in such a way as to throw no additional charge on the public Revenue. But his hon. Friend's Amendment, by proposing to reduce the terms of years, would at once impose an additional charge on the public.

MR. RYLANDS

, in opposing both the Amendment and the clause, said, he must maintain that the result of the scheme proposed by the Government would be to entail on the public an additional charge.

MR. SCLATER-BOOTH

said, he failed to see how, if this measure was intended to confer a pecuniary benefit upon Colonial Governors ceasing to be employed, it could fail to be a charge upon the public funds.

Question put, "That the word 'fifteen' stand part of the Clause."

The Committee divided:—Ayes 134; Noes 8: Majority 126.

On Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill?"

MR. RYLANDS

said, the observations which had been offered had proved so clearly that the Bill was one which would increase the public charge that he proposed to divide against the clause.

MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN

said, that the clauses of the Bill had been carefully considered by the authorities at the Treasury, who thought them quite satisfactory.

MR. RYLANDS

said, in that event, some explanation ought to be given by the Treasury. He should move to report Progress.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. Rylands.)

Question put.

The Committee divided:—Ayes 20; Noes 111: Majority 91.

On Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill?"

Question put.

The Committee divided:—Ayes 108; Noes 22: Majority 86.

Clause 4.

MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN

said, he proposed to negative the clause, because he doubted whether it did not create a charge on the Imperial Exchequer, reserving the right, if it did not, to introduce a clause on the Report.

MR. BAILLIE COCHRANE

said, there was very little good in the Bill before, and that if this clause were taken out the Bill would be worthless.

MR. R. N. FOWLER

said, he regretted the course of the discussion, because it indicated a "shabby" disposition towards an important service.

Clause negatived.

Preamble agreed to.

House resumed.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Monday next.