§ Mr. Wallace moved the order of the day for considering the report of the Warehousing bill, for the purpose of postponing it till next session. He wished it to be distinctly understood, that he had been induced to postpone this measure solely in consequence of the advanced period of the session. He was fully convinced, that the adoption of the measure was likely to produce the most advantageous results to the manufacturers, and to every class of the community; and he felt it his duty to give a distinct pledge, that he would take the earliest opportunity in the next ses- 1265 sion of submitting it to the consideration of parliament.
§ Mr. Ricardoexpressed his regret, that the right hon. gentleman had been induced to postpone this measure. He hoped he would take into his serious consideration the state of the silk trade, which was now labouring under peculiar disadvantages, and which might compete successfully with foreign countries, if the present high duties, which gave so much encouragement to contraband traffic, were reduced. The Spitalfields act was another grievance to which this trade was exposed, which he hoped government would see the necessity of repealing.
§ Mr. Elliceagreed in the necessity of reducing the duties on the raw material, in order to enable the silk manufacturer in this country to compete with the foreigner.
§ Mr. Wallacesaid, that previous to the next session, the silk trade would become the object of his most serious consideration. He agreed that at present the trade was suffering under peculiar privations, not one of the least of which was the being debarred the advantage of free labour.
§ The further consideration of the bill was put off for three months.