Mr. Huskissonpresented a petition from the Cotton Weavers of Manchester, complaining of distress, and attributing it in a great measure to the employment of machinery. The right hon. gentleman expressed his dissent from the opinion of the petitioners, that the remedies suggested by them were likely to be effectual. He sympathised with their distresses; but saw no immediate means of affording them relief.
Lord Stanleyobserved, that though the wages of the petitioners were undoubtedly small, it should be remembered that the price of provisions was also extremely low.
Mr. G. Philipsdenied that the weavers were injured by the use of machinery, as it was applied in their trade. As far as regarded the rate of profit at present obtained, the men were in general better off than their masters.
§ Mr. Peelhad made a careful inquiry among those who were best qualified to give information, and had the satisfaction of saying that the wages of labour were, considering the price of provisions, such, that the weavers could afford to live in comparative comfort.
Mr. Maxwellsaid, he had at one time been of opinion, that in order to equalize the advantage of labour a tax should be imposed on that description of machinery which came most directly in competition with human labour. Now, however, he had doubts as to the propriety of imposing any such tax; and would, instead of it, recommend that the taxes on the operative labourer should be reduced.
§ Ordered to lie on the table.