§ 42. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Parliament will be given an opportunity for discussing the gift to the nation of the estate of the Honourable Elsie Mackay?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWithout wishing to impugn in any way the generosity of Lord Inchcape, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that Mrs. Hinchliffe, who was left a widow as a result of this accident from which the State will benefit, says that she has certain moral claims against this estate?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is really not a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMay I submit that the State has benefited by this accident which occurred, and surely it is 2448 within the power of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make provision ex gratia for the widow in these circumstances?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Chancellor of the Exchequer does not control the business of the House.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI was not suggesting that, but may I submit that it is within the power of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make an ex gratia payment, or permit the House to discuss the advisability of making such a payment.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a point the opportunities for discussing which the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as I have already said, does not control.
§ Sir BERTRAM FALLEIs not this gift given free of all conditions of this kind, and would it not be wrong to change it?