SECOND READING. (Hansard, 11 June 1886)

§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (, &c.) Kirkcaldy
Sir, I confess that I see very little use in opposing this Bill; but I am bound to say that I do not like it. I was two or three years ago opposed to the principle of the Bill, and I repeat now what I then said—that the Bill proposes to tax the alcohol of the middle classes at a very much lower rate than the alcohol of the lower classes—that is to say, that the port and sherry consumed by the former will be taxed at 1s. a gallon, which is equal to 3s. a gallon at proof strength, as compared with 10s. a gallon charged in the case of whisky, which is the drink of the latter. Now, Sir, it seems to me that this state of things is wholly indefensible, and I believe that if the proposal stood alone it would not receive the assent of the House; but we know that it is put forward as an Economic Bill, and we are asked to pass it because it is connected with another matter—namely, the admission of our goods into Spain. However, as I have said, it is of no use to oppose the Bill; and, therefore, I will do no more on this occasion than protest against it.

§ MR. GREGORY (Sussex, East Grinstead)
I wish to refer, on this occasion, to an Amendment which I proposed to move when the last Financial Bill was in Committee a few weeks ago, in relation to the right of the Crown to proceed against trustees and other persons for an indefinite period for duty on property—in fact, an indefinite claim which can be made at any period, at any time, and under any circumstances. I believe I am right in saying that when I introduced the subject in March last, it was received in a manner which afforded a prospect of success to my proposals, and I was invited by the Prime Minister to put them into the shape of clauses for consideration. I did so, and they were favourably received by my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry H. Fowler), and I am bound to thank my hon. Friend for the manner in which he then treated my proposals, and for the spirit in which I believe he is prepared to meet them. I was in hope that he would have been able to have included them in the present Bill; but I feel that there may have been difficulties in his way, owing to the 1572 early Dissolution of Parliament and other circumstances of the time. I think I may understand that my hon. Friend is not indisposed to deal with the question, if he is in Office, during the Autumn Session; and, even if he be not then in Office, I think I am justified in believing that my proposals will meet with his support. As I do not intend to seek re-election, I regard this as the last occasion on which I shall have an opportunity of making reference to this Motion—["No, no!"]—which I commend to the good intentions and good offices of my hon. Friend, and also to those of other hon. Gentlemen as well worthy of their consideration, whether in this or in a future Parliament.

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT) (Derby)
I am sure the House will have heard with very great regret that it is not the intention of the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Gregory) to seek re-election to the next Parliament. Both sides of the House will equally regret the absence of my hon. Friend from the deliberations of the House. The moderation and impartiality with which he has always discussed every subject, and the mature knowledge he has brought to bear upon the matters with which he has dealt, have caused him to be regarded with the utmost respect by every Member of the House. I hope he will reconsider his decision to retire from active Parliamentary life. The House is very much indebted to him for the observations he has just made. The principles he has laid down are practically agreed to by the Treasury; and I am quite sure that those principles, putting aside small questions of detail, will prevail, whichever Party may have charge of the Treasury. Therefore, my hon. Friend may be quite certain that his policy will survive him.

§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)
There is a clause in the Bill to enable Her Majesty to issue a Proclamation prohibiting the importation into this country of certain foreign coins, such as French two sou pieces. I think we ought to have some statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir William Harcourt), or the Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Henry H. Fowler), as to the necessity for this provision. If any great loss is sustained by the importation of foreign coins, then possibly the Treasury 1573 are justified in introducing this provision in the Bill; but, unless some substantial object is to be gained, it appears to me to be hardly worth while doing so.

§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER
My attention was called to this matter, and I caused inquiries to be made. Of course, it would be immaterial if only a small amount of foreign bronze coin were imported; but, upon inquiry, it was found that this coin is imported in very largo quantities indeed. The hon. Gentleman (Mr. Buchanan) does not seem to appreciate the great injury done to people, especially the working classes, in having coin passed to them which anyone may legally refuse. For the protection of the poor it is absolutely necessary that these measures should be taken.

§ SIR ROBERT FOWLER (London)
I should like to know what Business the Government propose to take on Wednesday, because they have put down a large number of Bills for that day? Do they intend to move the suspension of the Standing Order which necessitates the adjournment of the House at 6 o'clock?

§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER) (Wolverhampton, E.)
The Government will put all the financial Business first, and there will only be a very few Bills taken afterwards. We do not propose to move the suspension of the Standing Order referred to by the hon. Baronet.