LORD CHARLES ESFORD (York)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, owing to the necessity of providing pensions for old servants, the Meteorological Office is about to cut down its expenses by withdrawing the small payments made at York and other stations; and whether; in view of the important national work done by the Meteorological Office, he can see his way to increase the present Government Grant, which is only £15,300 a year.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS-BEACH,) Bristol, W.I have no reason to suppose that there is any necessity for an increase in the Grant for this purpose, and I have received no application from the Royal Society on the subject. Her Majesty's Government do not interfere with the mode in which the Grant is expended.