HC Deb 12 April 1827 vol 17 cc391-2

On the order of the day for the third reading of this bill,

Mr. F. Palmer

said, it was a matter of great satisfaction to him, that on the first occasion of his voting in the present parliament, he was able to give his conscientious support to the measure proposed by ministers. He believed that the bill before the House had been framed upon principles of strict impartiality; and he was inclined to put faith in the correctness of that opinion, when he saw that the measure was alike condemned by the two great interests of the country; namely, the agriculturists and the manufacturers. The agriculturists said that the maximum price fixed by the bill was hardly sufficient to enable them to meet the charges of rent and taxes, and, above all, the constantly increasing burthen of the poor-rates; whilst the manufacturers, on the other hand, complained, that the measure afforded too great a protection to the agricultural interest. He was of opinion that the effect of the bill would be to produce low prices, and the natural consequence of that would be the reduction of taxation—a measure to which he looked forward with great satisfaction. He trusted that this would not be the only occasion in which he should be able to vote for the measures of ministers; but that he should feel it his duty, frequently to support their policy.

Mr. Warburton

said, that the bill would afford no substantial relief to the country. Our manufacturers would still be obliged to pay for their bread double the price which was paid on the continent.

Mr. Leycester

expressed his apprehension, that large importations would be made from Canada.

Mr. C. Grant

said, that past experience had proved that no extensive importations could be made from Canada to any profitable purpose, so far as the importers were concerned.

The bill was then read a third time, and passed.