HC Deb 11 March 1936 vol 309 cc2135-6

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain) (at the Bar) acquainted the House that he had a Message from His Majesty the King to this House, signed by His Majesty's own hand, and he presented the same to the House, and it was read by Mr. Speaker (all the Members of the House being uncovered), as followeth

Buckingham Palace.

The demise of the Crown renders it necessary that a renewed provision shall be made for the Civil List. His Majesty places unreservedly at the disposal of the House of Commons those hereditary revenues which were so placed by His predecessor, and has commanded that the Papers necessary for the full consideration of this subject shall be laid before the House.

His Majesty desires that the contingency of His marriage should be taken into account, so that in that event there should be provision for Her Majesty the Queen and Members of His Majesty's Family corresponding to the provision which the House of Commons have been willing to snake in like circumstances in the past. His Majesty also desires that suitable provision should be made for His Royal Highness the Duke of York as the Heir Presumptive, and, in certain events, for his family.

It is, however, His Majesty's intention, so long as the revenues of the Duchy of Cornwall are vested in Himself, to make that provision for His Royal Highness the Duke of York and, in so far as those revenues are sufficient, to provide for His Majesty's Privy Purse.

His Majesty recommends the consideration of these several matters to His faithful Commons, and relies on their attachment to His person and family to adopt such measures as may be suitable for the occasion.

10th March, 1936.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

To-morrow I shall move that a Select Committee be appointed to take His Majesty's Message into consideration.

Mr. THORNE

May I ask whether His Majesty gave any guarantee that he was going to get married?