§ The Chancellor of the Exchequerhaving moved the Order of the Day for the third reading of the Property-tax Bill,
§ Mr. Laboucheresaid, that before this motion was put, he was anxious to ask a question of the right hon. Baronet at the head of the Government, relative to one of the most important branches of our manufactures. He had seen it stated in the newspapers, and he had some reason to fear that the statement was true, that the French Government intended to raise the duty on the importation of linens and linen 1019 yarns. He wished to know, whether the right hon. Gentleman could give any information as to this statement, as it was a matter which would excite considerable interest in the manufacturing districts. If the case was as had been described, he could not help expressing his regret that at a moment when this country was prepared to pursue a more liberal commercial policy as to the produce of other nations, and especially when commercial negotiations had been carried on for so long a period between this country and France, a step of so hostile a character should be taken by the French Government.
§ Sir R. Peelreplied, that within the last three or four days, her Majesty's Government had received authentic information on this subject. They had been informed that the minister of France had stated, that the Government had the power by an ordonnance to raise those import duties, and he implied, that such was the intention of the French Government. He could assure the right hon. Gentleman, that the British Government did not allow a post to leave the country without forwarding a communication on the subject to the French Government, and expressing the deep regret that had been felt on learning the course that it was intended to pursue. This despatch staled what material effect such a proceeding must have on the commercial negotiation between this country and France which had proceeded so far. He could not help stating, that there existed a strong feeling in several parts of France, and especially in the South of France, against the policy of such a proceeding. That portion of that country was most anxious for the favourable termination of the commercial negotiation which had been carried on so long. If this step, however, should unhappily be adopted, it would become the duty of the Government to open communications with other countries of Europe which produced wine, to see whether commercial relations on more favourable terms could not be established. He hoped, and from the best means of forming an opinion on the subject, he believed it would be the case that the wine growers of France would make exertions to induce the French Government to abstain from taking the step alluded to. He could not say more on the subject, but he believed, that the inhabitants of the south of France deeply regretted the course which was proposed to be adopted.
Lord J. Russellagreed with the right hon. Baronet as to the propriety of opening communications with other wine-growing countries with a view to commercial relations. He had no doubt, that this step had been taken from some ill-founded jealousy, or from some erroneous view of commercial policy; but he hoped, that in consequence this country would not depart from their large and enlightened principles, which he was so anxious to see carried out.
§ Sir R. Peelcould only reply, that the present Government was ready and prepared to maintain the principle on this subject, in which the noble Lord and the late Government went in their commercial negotiations with France.