§ On the order of the day, for the third reading of this bill,
§ Mr. P. Thompsonsaid, he should move the same amendment which he had twice brought under the consideration of the Committee; namely, that the Duty on all Silk Goods imported into this country from India, after October 10, might not exceed thirty per cent.
Mr. Lesteropposed the third reading of 1743 the bill; as he considered it would materially affect our Indian possessions, and compromise the character of the House.
§ Mr. Humesupported the amendment, and insisted on the pledge already given by government to the same effect.
Mr. Hobhousewas anxious that the amendment should be carried, and thought that ministers ought to be still more so, for the sake of their own consistency;—as they had sanctioned the principle.
Mr. Maberlysaid, the Vice-president of the Board of Trade had certainly led the House to understand, that he would continue in the steps of his predecessor. If his meaning had been mistaken, he should be glad if the right hon. gentleman would explain what his principles were.
Mr. Fergussonadverted to the injury which the East-India trade would sustain from this measure; the principle of which no member of the government had attempted to justify. The House had received a distinct pledge, when the former act was passed, that it was of a temporary nature, and would be suffered to expire. The hon. gentleman dwelt on the injury which the manufacturing interest in India would sustain, if the present system should be persevered in, and urged the expediency of acceding to the amendment.
§ Mr. Wynnsaid, he had not heard a single argument against the amendment. Such an alteration in the bill was called for by the interests of the country.
Mr. C. Grantsaid, he should vote with ministers on this question, as they had made a concession to him, which would considerably shorten the duration of the higher duty.
§ The House divided on Mr. P. Thompson's amendment: Ayes 31; Noes 48. The bill was then read a third time.