HC Deb 17 December 1819 vol 41 cc1299-300

Lord Castlereagh moved the order for the farther consideration of the report of the Newspaper Stamp Duties bill, for the purpose of re-committing it.

Mr. J. Smyth

said, he had that day seen a great many persons connected with the book trade, who were of opinion that their interests would be much affected by this bill. He hoped the noble lord would therefore allow full time for the consideration of so important a measure. The booksellers, notwithstanding the alterations which had been made, were still in the greatest alarm. He was willing to believe that it was not the intention of the noble lord to affix a stamp duty to certain publications respecting which their apprehensions were excited, but the bill as now worded would have the effect of doing so. It would require a day or two at least to examine the bill to see in what way it would operate. He wished to know from the noble lord whether time would be granted for the proper examination of this bill?

Lord Castlereagh

said, he would consent to have the bill re-committed on Monday next. He did not think it would be advisable to fix a later day, as it was desirable that a measure of the kind should be discussed with the fullest attendance. In the interval between this and Monday, the bill might undergo the examination which gentlemen wished.

Mr. J. P. Grant

said, it appeared to him that this was by far the most important of all the measures proposed to parliament, principally when considered as the foundation of future legislation. He put it, therefore, to the noble lord, whether there was any necessity for pressing it forward at present. It seemed to him to require the most mature consideration.

Lord Castlereagh

said, that the principle of the bill seemed to his majesty's ministers to be of great importance. So far he agreed with the hon. and learned gentleman; but he candidly confessed, that if some measures were not taken to deliver the country from the abuses of the press, he thought the consequences would be pregnant with danger and calamity. All the changes introduced consisted in mitigating and narrowing the operation of the measure. If gentlemen opposite objected to the details, they might be discussed on Monday, but he had hoped that the principle would be debated this night.

Mr. Brougham

said, that the principle of the bill was so involved and mixed up with the details, that it was impossible to discuss the principle till the details of the arrangement were known.

Lord Castlereagh

observed, that after the arrangements were agreed to in the committee on Monday, the discussion on the principle might take place.

Mr. Brougham

hoped that between this and Monday such alterations might be devised as would secure the interests of this trade, not merely for the sake of the trade itself, but for the sake of the community. His objection was chiefly directed to the principle of resorting to stamp duties, not as a means of revenue, but of prohibition of publication.

The bill was ordered to be recommitted on Monday.