HC Deb 12 April 1821 vol 5 cc200-2

The Chancellor of the Exchequer moved, "That the several petitions presented to this House during the last and present Sessions of parliament, complaining of the additional 4luty on malt in Scotland, or of its effects in increasing illicit distillation, be referred to a select committee to examine the matter thereof; and to report their observations thereon to the House."

Mr. Monck

opposed the motion, upon the ground that England and Scotland ought, as regarded the duty, to be upon an equality. He hoped, in a future session, to see the tax overcome by the united efforts of both countries.

Sir G. Clerk

observed, that the question as it regarded Scotch barley was very distinct from the general question of the malt tax. A motion respecting the additional duty exacted from Scotland had been brought forward by the noble member for Lanarkshire. On that occasion the chancellor of the exchequer had pledged himself to take the subject into consideration.

Sir R. Fergusson

said, he knew the course he was about to take was unpopular; but, as he believed the committee was proposed, not with a reference to the merits of the measure itself, but as a boon to the Scotch members to vote with the minister, he would oppose the motion.

Mr. Mackenzie

denied the assumption, that the present measure was intended to induce the Scots to vote with the administration. It was too much for gentlemen to oppose a committee on such an opinion as that. The leading object of the committee was, to enquire whether the statements of some of the Scots counties were correct. If their claims were not well grounded, he was sure the House would not listen to them.

Mr. J. P. Grant

supported the motion though he confessed it was brought forward under very suspicious appearances. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said, he had given his promise to accede to a committee so early as last session.

Sir M. W. Ridley

said, he would vote for the motion, if the chancellor of the exchequer would give a proof of his sincerity, by allowing the committee to consider the case of the growers of inferior barley in England also. In Northumberland they suffered as much under the tax as in any part of Scotland. The House divided: Ayes 56; Noes 17.

List of the Minority.
Allan, J. H. Fergusson, sir R.
Althorp, lord Graham, S.
Bennet, hon. H. G. Hobhouse, J. C.
Bright, H. Hume, J.
Colborn, R, Johnson col.
Palmer, F. Smith, J.
Ricardo, D. Taylor, M. A.
Ridley, sir M. W. TELLERS.
Smith, hon. R. Gordon, R.
Smith, W. Monck, J.