§ On the motion of Mr. Huskisson, the house resolved itself into a committee on the report of the select committee, for allowing the importation of coal, to a certain extent, by the grand junction canal.
§ Sir Ralph Milbank disapproved of every thing that tended to diminish the working of the northern collieries. A diminution 184 of the shipping and seamen employed in conveying coals must follow. This trade was the best nursery of seamen, and the men engaged in it being accustomed to very dangerous seas and coasts, were particularly fitted for the most arduous services, as the best officers of the navy allowed.
§ Mr. Huskisson stated, that the limited conveyance of 50,000 tons by the Paddinging canal this year, was intended to enable the house to form a judgment whether the procuring a more certain supply of coals to London, in this way, is likely to be attended with any mischief to the coasting coal trade.
§ Sir M. W. Ridley said, the friends of the coasting coal trade were obliged to accede to the conveyance of this limited quantity, in the fear that the government would impose severer restraints upon them.
§ Mr. Burdon consented to go into the committee, but was sure this measure would prove completely inadequate.
§ Mr. Spencer Stanhope hoped the public discussion would take place in the next session. He did not think there would be a disposition to enlarge the quantity to be imported in this way, at a duty of 10s. 2d. per ton.
§ Mr. Huskisson moved, that 50,000 ton be allowed to be brought by the Paddington canal, paying a duty of 10s. 2d. per ton, being the duty now paid per chaldron on coals brought coastways. He stated, that the reason of charging the duty in this instance by the ton was, that the coals brought in this way were too large to be measured.—The motion was agreed to, and the report ordered to be received to-morrow.—Adjourned.