§ THE DUKE OF NORFOLKwished to put a question to the noble Lord the Lord Privy Seal respecting the second report of the Patriotic Fund. He understood that one of the Commissioners, Mr. Ball, did not concur in the Report presented by his Colleagues, and had delivered in his reasons in writing for not subscribing that document. He therefore begged to ask whether the Government had any objection to lay on the table a copy of the reasons assigned by Mr. Ball for dissenting from his brother Commissioners?
§ THE EARL OF HARDWICKEsaid, it was perfectly true that Mr. Ball had declined to sign the report of the Royal Commissioners, and that in consequence of such refusal he had written a letter to the Commission, explaining his reasons for not affixing his signature to that document. There was no objection whatever to the production of that letter; but it would obviously be more complete and more satisfactory that when laid on the table it should be accompanied by Major Harris's reply to it. Mr. Ball's letter contained animadversions on the conduct of Major Harris, in respect to the distribution of the charity, and the Commissioners had referred it to that gentleman to be answered. As soon as the 789 answer was received, it would be laid on the table together with Mr. Ball's letter.
§ THE DUKE OF NORFOLKalso inquired when the printed copies of the report of the Commissioners would he distributed?
§ THE EARL OF HARDWICKEsaid, the Royal Commissioners had the print in their hands, and the report would be struck off immediately.