HL Deb 12 December 1837 vol 39 cc965-6
Lord Brougham

rose to move for certain papers, to the production of which he believed the noble Lord at the head of the Woods and Forests department had no objection—namely, for a return of the net revenue of the Duchy of Cornwall in the years 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, and 1836, distinguishing that of each year; also the amount of fines received in those years, distinguishing each year's receipts; also the same two accounts for the duchy of Lancaster. It would be impossible to consider the civil list, save as a matter of form, without these returns.

The Duke of Wellington

was of opinion that the noble and learned Lord had better give notice of his motion. This, he believed, was the first occasion on which an enquiry into the affairs of the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster had ever been called for.

Lord Brougham

thought, it was a very great pity that this subject had never, as a matter of course, been inquired into by both Houses of Parliament. When they were called on to provide revenues for the support of the Crown, could any thing be more reasonable than for Parliament to inquire what means were already at the disposal of the Crown beyond the revenue which it was proposed to grant? If, however, the noble Duke had any objection to the motion being brought forward in this way, he was quite willing to give a formal notice.

The Duke of Wellington

said, it was usual when a motion of so novel a nature was introduced, which must have reference to the salaries of individuals, that regular notice should be given.

Lord Brougham

said, that his motion was purposely confined to one particular point—namely, the net produce or revenue of those duchies. It did not refer to an inquiry into the salary attached to any office whatsoever. His object was, to have an account of the proceeds of the duchies in each year. He would, as the noble Duke desired it, postpone his motion till Thursday next.

The noble and learned Lord then moved for a return of the real value of exports to the West Indies and Mauritius for the last ten years, up to January, 1837, distinguishing the amount of each year.

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