SECOND READING. (Hansard, 27 February 1863)

§ EARL GRANVILLE

My Lords, I rise to move the second reading of this Bill. In consequence of the manner in which the announcement of the Prince's marriage was received by your Lordships the other evening, I venture to anticipate that the provisions of this Bill will prove very satisfactory to your Lordships. What has passed in another place, and the feeling shown by the public, has tended to confirm that anticipation. It is hardly necessary in your Lordships' House to advert to the general topics which make your Lordships desire to give to the Prince of Wales an annuity suitable to the dignity of the Heir to the Crown. I believe there never was a country which has had so much reason to rejoice in the form of monarchical Government which has existed in this country; and it is not merely a sentimental or traditionary feeling, but is founded on what we do feel— namely, affectionate loyalty to the Sovereign on the Throne, and a desire to honour her in every possible way. In the last century, in 1715 and 1745, Parliament granted to the Prince of Wales, exclusive of the revenue of the Duchy of Cornwall, £100,000 a year. In 1795 a larger income, under peculiar circumstances, was given, amounting to £138,000; but a portion was applied to the payment of debts unfortunately contracted before by the Prince of Wales. In 1806 those debts were paid, and the Prince of Wales came into the receipt of the whole income. When your Lordships consider the different value of money, and the fact that many of your Lordships possess larger 865 incomes, it is quite clear that the proposed provision is not immoderate. After careful examination, it appears that the net income of the Duchy of Cornwall is £60,000 a year. By this Bill it is proposed to add £40,000 a year. It is further proposed to grant £10,000 a year to the Princess of Wales as a personal annuity, and to grant her a dower in case of the decease of her husband of £30,000 a year. I believe that the Bill will meet with the cordial assent of your Lordships, and I beg to move that it be now read a second time.