§ The house then went into a committee on the Irish Spirit Duty Bill.
Mr. Fosterobserved, that when the duty should be reduced so low as to meet the wishes of the gentlemen on the other side of the house, the Irish distiller would have an advantage over the English distiller, as the latter was obliged to produce 21 gallons of spirits from 200 weight of sugar, whereas the Irish distiller need only produce 18. It therefore followed that the Irish spirits would be made stronger for the same duty. He thought it but fair to take notice of this circumstance, although he was ready to conform the duty to the wishes of other gentlemen.
§ Mr. Barhamsaid, that while there was no spirit intercourse between Great Bri- 25 tain and Ireland, there could be no advantage gained by one over the other. He wished much that the duty should be lowered in Ireland, in order to prevent illicit distilleries.
Mr. Fostersaid, that it had been his intention to reduce the duties, in consequence of the suggestions which had been made to him, from 3s. 2d. to 2s. 10d. a gallon. He should, however, keep himself unfettered until the next Report of the committee which were then sitting. When that Report should be presented, which would probably take place in less than five weeks, he would still hold himself at liberty to alter the present bill, or bring in an entire new one, as it should then appear proper.
After some further conversation, the Bill went through the committee, and was ordered to be reprinted, with the amendments.