HC Deb 16 February 1888 vol 322 c561
MR. E. ROBERTSON (Dundee)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, When he proposes to appoint the promised Committee on Royal Grants?

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

Her Majesty's Government do not think it advisable at present to ask the House to appoint a Committee, as was suggested by the right lion. Gentleman the Member for Mid Lothian (Mr. Gladstone) in 1885, as Her Majesty the Queen has been pleased to remit the whole subject to her Advisers for their consideration, and they will report to her upon it.

Mr. E. ROBERTSON

I will only ask, is the right lion. Gentleman aware that it was proposed to appoint a Committee?

MR. W. H. SMITH

Yes, Sir; but on further consideration the Government think it advisable to take the course now recommended.

MR.LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Vote in this House of an additional grant to a member of the Royal Family was carried on the understanding and on the condition that such a Committee should be appointed?

MR. W. H. SMITH

No, Sir; I do not understand that such a condition was made.

MR.W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)

I wish to know from the right hon. Gentleman whether I am right in the interpretation I put upon the answer which he has just given? I do not understand the right hon. Gentleman to say anything which would preclude the Government from proposing the appointment of a Committee with regard to the Civil List if, after considering the subject, they thought that course necessary.

MR. W. H. SMITH

That is distinctly so.