HL Deb 13 March 1832 vol 11 cc111-2
Lord Ellenborough

rose to present a Petition from the Court of Directors of the East-India Company, against the Bill now depending, for charging the claims of the Zemindar of Nozeed, or his representatives, on the territorial revenues of the East-India Company. The Directors maintained, that the transactions in respect of which these claims were made, were inconsistent with the duty of the claims, and contrary to their orders, and that, consequently, they were not liable to pay. The Directors considered that the interests of the Company were affected by these claims, and also the interests of the public. If these claims were to be charged on the East-India Company, the dividends might be affected first, and then the territorial revenues; and as the charter of the Company was within a short time of expiring, the interests of the public was materially concerned. He believed that a Bill of this kind could not be allowed to pass without the consent of the Crown intimated by one of his Ministers; and if so, he hoped that the Crown would refuse to give that consent. At present, he would move that the petition be laid on the Table, and that the Directors be heard by Counsel against the Bill.

Earl Grey

was not at present sufficiently informed, as to the merits of the question, to be able at present, to give an opinion upon it; but he agreed that the subject was important, and one which required consideration. As to the consent of the Crown, he believed that the rule in this House was different from that in the other. In the House of Commons, a bill respecting the grant of public money could not be entertained without the consent of the Crown, intimated by one of its Ministers; but he rather thought that this was not here required. That point also, was one which ought to be further considered. As to the Motion of the noble Lord, he hoped that he would withdraw it for the present, that some time might be allowed for consideration.

Lord Ellenborough

The matter would not bear any considerable delay, but he would withdraw his Motion for the hearing Counsel against the Bill for the present. His Lordship withdrew his Motion accordingly, and gave notice that he would submit it again on Friday.

Petition to be laid on the Table.