CIVIL LIST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 4 May 1937, Page 5

CIVIL LIST

REPORT OF COMMITTEE NO ALTERATIONS RECOMMENDED ANNUITIES FOR DUKE OF GLOUCESTER AND PRINCESS ELIZABETH [United Press Association— B.v Electric Telegraph— Copyright] (Received 4lh May. 12.48 p.m.) RUGBY, 3rd May. The report of the Select Committee on the Civil List was issued this evening. The Committee state that the total amount was carefully considered last year and they see no reason for recommending any alterations. They are satisfied that the provision then made was adequate, but not more than adequate. for the proper maintenance and dignity of the Crown.

The Civil List of King Edward amounted to £410,000.

His Majesty has expressed a desire that suitabli provision be made for Princess Elizabeth or the future Duke of Cornwall. Under these circumstances the Committee recommends that an annuity of £IO,OOO in addition to his existing annuity of £25.000 as the younger son of King George V.. should be paid out of the Consolidated Fund to the Duke of Gloucester for life. In the case of Princess Elizabeth, who is now entitled to the revenue of the duchy of Cornwall, the Committee recommend provision be made for an annuity of £6OOO to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund, to be increased to £15.000 on her attaining the age of 21 years, should there then be no Duke of Cornwall NO PROVISION FOR DUKE OF WINDSOR In the Civil List no provision is made for Princess Elizabeth's marriage, as the Committee considers it is a matter for a future Parliament Provision for other members of the Royal Family totals £194,000. The limit of new grants to Civil List pensions has been raised from £I2OO to £2500 a year. This is the only additional charge on the Consolidated Fund except those dependent on contingencies. for instance, £70,000 a year to the Queen if she survives the King, and £IO,OOO a year to any son of the King reaching the age of 21. This amount may be increased to £25,000 if he marries. Younger daughters who reach the age of 21 years are granted £6OOO. Queen Mary's pension of £70,000 is maintained. No provision is made for the Duke of Windsor. LABOUR AMENDMENT DEFEATED The report discloses that Mr C. R. Attlee (Leader of the Labour • Opposition) during the discussions moved an amendment suggesting greater simplicity in the Court’s state and ceremonial with a view to bringing it into accord with modern conception. He contended that an expensive style of living tended to surround the Monarch with persons chosen from a single class, thus incurring dangerous political risks and obscuring public opinion. He urged that the relieving of the King of tedious and irksome ceremonial would strengthen the ties between the King and the people, enabling as far as possible the bearer of the burden of kingship to enjoy the freedom belonging to his private station. Only Mr Attlee, Mr Pethwick Lawrence and Mr F. B. Simpson (Lab.) supported the amendment, which was defeated by 12 votes t- 3.