HC Deb 08 February 1805 vol 3 cc308-9

Mr. Higham from the office of the commissioners for the reduction of the national debt, presented the annual account of these commissioners for the last year.— Sir W. Young moved, "that there be laid before the house an account of the quantity of raw sugar imported, and the refined sugar exported, and the amount of duties paid thereon in the year ending 5th Jan. 1805; also an account of the quantity of rum imported and exported in the same period, with the amount of the duties thereon; an account of the amount of British manufactures exported to the West Indian colonies; and an account of the number of ships, and their tonnage, employed in this trade, distinguishing the ports." Ordered.—The mutiny bill was read a second, time.—The sec. at war gave notice, that in consequence of an application that had been made to him, it was his intention to move, in the committee, for the amendment of a clause introduced into the bill, a few years ago, relative to the carriage on canals. Tins clause was at first intended to permit the carriage of baggage, toll free, in removing troops from one place to another. It was, however, in some instances construed to warrant the free passage of ordnance stores, which would be a great oppression; and it would be the object of his amendment to remedy this error.—Mr. Rose brought in a bill for enabling the Greenland Whalers to complete their crews. Read a 1st time.—The Exchequer bills bill was read a 3d time and passed.—Mr. Alexander reported from the committee on the loyalty loan. Leave was given to bring in a bill conformably to the resolutions.—Sir J. Anderson presented a petition from the house of Chalmers & Cowie, praying to be indemnified for a loss, amounting to 35,000l. on a quantity of herrings purchased by them in Sweden, for the relief of the people here, in the scarcity of 1800, and detained in Sweden, by the embargo, in consequence of the dispute with the Northern powers. The petition was referred to a committee.