HC Deb 11 March 1851 vol 114 cc1266-8

Resolutions reported.

On First Resolution,

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the said Resolution be now read a Second Time."

MR. HUME

said, he should not trouble the House by dividing on the items contained in this report. He would content himself by placing amongst the records of the House the reasons that induced him to ask for a reduction of the number of men proposed to be voted for the naval service. He therefore begged to move a Resolution to that effect.

Amendment proposed— To leave out from the word 'That,' to the end of the Question, in order to add the words, 'in accordance with the prayers of numerous petitions for relief from the burthen of taxation, and especially with the view of affording relief to the distress now existing amongst the occupiers and owners of land, it is the duty of this House, before voting the number of seamen and marines for the naval service of the ensuing year, to take into its serious consideration in what manner, and to what extent, the number of men and ships can be reduced without detriment to the public service. That with reference to the squadron on the west coast of Africa, it is the opinion of this House that it should be altogether dispensed with as inefficient for the purposes for which it was designed, and therefore a useless addition to the naval establishments, the support of which unavoidably forms so large a part of the public expenditure of the country. That with regard to the general services of the Navy, it appears by the returns on the table of the House, that the average number of seamen and marines borne on the books of the Navy, during the four years from 1835 to 1839, both inclusive, was under 30,000; and that this House not being informed of any reasons why the services of the ensuing year should require any larger number, is of opinion that the number of seamen and marines now to be voted, should not exceed 30,000,' instead thereof.

Question, "That the words proposed to be left out, stand part of the Question," put, and agreed to.

Resolution read 2°, and agreed to; other Resolutions agreed to.

The House adjourned at half-after Seven o'clock.