HC Deb 08 February 1897 vol 45 cc1562-3
MR. DAVITT

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury (1) will he explain what are the rules, regulations, or practices governing the allocation of grants from the Royal Bounty Fund; and (2) upon whose recommendation a sum of money from this source was given to George Brooks, who was recently the plaintiff in one or more libel suits?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

In answer to the second paragraph of the Question, I am alone responsible for all representations for grants from the Royal Bounty Fund. As regards the first paragraph of the question, no rules or regulations have been laid down by Parliament on this subject, but there is a body of official tradition which has been handed on from one First Lord to another, and to that tradition and practice I have endeavoured to conform.

MR. DAVITT

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that he would find a resolution adopted by this House—[cries of "Order, order!"]—concerning the distribution of this money.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I am not aware of that.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)

Does the right hon. Gentleman desire to make further explanation of his having allocated this money to Mr. Brooks? [Laughter.]

[No answer was given.]