KING FEELS THE PINCH

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14766, 4 October 1921, Page 3

KING FEELS THE PINCH

o DEFICrr IN ROYAL HOUSEHOLD. BIG' ECONOMIES. In moving the second reading of the Duchy of Lancaster (Application of Capital Moneys) Bill in the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain said its object was to give authority to the Duchy lo realise capital to the extent of £IOO.OOO. and to apply the proceeds as revenueDuring the war. Mr Chamberlain went on to explain, Stale functions were inevitably reduced in number and shorn of much of their pre-war splendour. His Majesty also took a leading part in cutting out all expenditure that was not absolutely necessary, so that he was able not merely to carry on without involving any deficit on the Civil List up to 191f>. but was also able to make a voluntary contribution to the Treasury of £IOO,OOO. Effect of Higher Prices.

It had also been the King's intention to make a further contribution to the Exchequer in later years. But iftfr careful consideration it was felt that it was far better that he and the Queen should contribute any further advances lo (he many war charitable funds instead of to the Exchequer. It. was not until after the war in IfMf lhat'tlje rapid rise in prices and in the salaries, waaos and expenses of the Royal household look place, and the annual grants became insufficient by £24,500 to meet the expenses in that year.

In IP'2O the deficit was £15.000. and this year, although the State functions were by no means equal to the prewar ones, the deficit in all probability would be greater still. Deficit Despite Eeonomios.

Notwithstanding Ihe most stringent economies in His Majesty's household, apart from this deficit, the expenditure on the internal maintenance of Ihe Royal Palaces exceeded the deficit of •,iia nnd 1020.

It was a matter for consideration whether the House should not he invited in the present session to consider ■vhcther some temporary supplement, of the Civil List should not be made. But in view of the serious slate of the country's finances, His Majesty, showing his public spirit in this as in all other matlers. was not prepared to assent to any ,-rtinn being taken by the • ■vernment which would involve additional charge on the public-, fund. Tf the Government, thought it, desirable, ihe King would be prepared to diminish Ihe degree of ceremonial splendour associated with Hie Throne. But Ihe Government thought (her were expressing the opinion of Ihe House nnd of Ihe rreat mass of Ihe population of the Empire,.in advising him that the dignity of the Throne should he maintained, and lhat as little sacrifice as need be should be made. Very considerable economies had alreadv been introduced in the administration of the Royal Household, and others were in contemplation. It was hoped that, the Civil List In future would be sufficient to enable the Royal Household to be maintained in a fitting manner without the necessity of asking Parliament for any increase. To Tide Over Difficulties.

It was the Bill's object to enable His Majesty to tide over the immediate temporary emergency and liquidate the deficiency of the last two years and the prospective deficiency of the current vcar. Were it not that the Government were not unhopeful that the present difficulties were purely temporary and not likely to recur, they would not be justified in bringing the Bill before the House.

Having regard to all the circumstances, the Government thought the action they proposed —with full assent of His Majesty and the Heir Apparent —was justified as being the least objectionable solution of a problem beset ».vith many difficulties. If necessary, they would not hesitate to advise the Kins to invite them to brim- the matter before the House at a later da,'te, and he was sure that the Hour..' would readily entertain any such messu!- r e. Sir n. Maclean said the King had set Iticrn ati an example which they should do their utmost to follow. The Rill was read a second time, and the Iloasc rose at 11.35.