SIR TREVOR LAWRENCEasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether ho is aware that the whole of the £50,000 advanced by the debenture holders to the Royal Horticultural Society, in addition to £25,000 from the Society's own funds, was spent upon buildings and other permanent works on the property rented by the Society from the Royal Commissioners of the 1851 Exhibition; and, whether this money was spent under the direct supervision of an "Expenses Committee," upon which the Royal Commissioners retained the power to appoint, and did actually appoint, a majority of the members, thereby keeping complete control over the expenditure of the money advanced by the debenture holders?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe money which was advanced by the debenture holders to the Royal Horticultural Society was, I understand, expended in the erection of conservatories, laying out terraces, and other works suitable for public gardens, which were of no advantage to the Commissioners in disposing of the estate. The expenditure, I am informed, was not made directly or indirectly under the supervision of the "Expenses Committee." I may point out that an action is now pending which will give occasion for the discussion of any claims which the Royal Horticultural Society may consider themselves in a position to make, and that, as I think, it would be more convenient that questions of this sort should not be discussed in this House whilst that action is pending.