HC Deb 09 August 1888 vol 330 cc116-7
MR. SUMMERS (Huddersfield)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that on June 26, 1861, a Return was ordered by the House of Commons— Of all pensions granted and charged upon the Civil List, in accordance with the Act, 1 Vict. c. 2, with the grounds upon which such pensions have been granted (as in Returns annually presented to this House), distinguishing the pensions which have lapsed, and showing the total sum now payable on account of existing pensions; and, whether any sufficient reason can be advanced why another Return should not be granted which would bring down to date in a single Parliamentary Paper the information contained in the aforesaid Return?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

I am aware that a Return in the terms mentioned by the hon. Member was presented in 1861. Since that date considerable progress has been made in reducing the number of unnecessary Returns presented to this House; and seeing that all the particulars required by the hon. Member are already available through Annual Returns and the Finance Accounts, I see no reason for altering the decision already conveyed to the hon. Member that the Return would be refused.

MR. SUMMERS

said, that he should move for the Return in the Autumn Session.