HC Deb 31 March 1814 vol 27 cc394-5
The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that as gentlemen would probably wish to have further information before they debated this subject, he would at present merely give an outline of his intention. It was the opinion of those who directed his Majesty's councils, that it would be improper to extend to the East India shipping all the benefits and privileges with which British ships were invested: it was, therefore, his intention to permit ships built in the East Indies to be registered for China and for Great Britain, but not for general foreign trade. In other respects, it was thought proper that these ships should be subject to the same restriction as other ships not British.

Leave was then given to bring in the Bill.

Mr. Alderman Atkins

observed, that the shipping interest was of great magnitude, and deserved the most serious consideration of the House. For this reason, he thought that all the information which could be procured should be laid before the House. He should, move, therefore, for the number of ships built by the merchants during the last three years: there was also another paper which had formerly been laid before the House after the battle of Camperdown: by which it appeared, that in that engagement several merchant ships had been taken into the line, and mounted from 64 to 70 guns. If this paper were not still upon the table of the House, he should wish it to be again produced.

Mr. Protheroe

agreed with the hon. alderman, that on a subject of such importance as the shipping-interest of the country, no measures should be taken till the fullest information was obtained.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

thought the request of the two preceding speakers highly reasonable; and he conceived that the best method of effecting the object in view would be, to appoint a select committee as soon as possible; where any information that any gentleman could give would be readily received.

General Gascoigne

suggested, that the committee could have nothing to do till some papers were produced.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that there was already a large mass of papers, and the committee might with great propriety discuss what further papers would be necessary for their decision.

The motion for the papers was then agreed to.