§ On the Order of the Day for the Second Reading of this Bill—
§ Sir E. Knatchbull moved the introduction of a clause, empowering the levy of a duty on Coals brought into the town of Gravesend, amounting to one half of that paid by the City of London. The hon. Gentleman explained, that at present the inhabitants of this place, although they were within the jurisdiction of the City of London, paid no duty at all by landing their coals a little lower down the river.
§ Mr. Tennysontook the opportunity to ask the right hon. Gentleman, the Master of the Mint, whether it was intended to continue the coal duties after the payment of the debt now contracted?
Mr. Herriessaid, that it was his opinion, that at the termination of the debt on the Orphan's Fund, these duties ought entirely to cease. Some legislative measure, therefore, would be necessary, but he thought it ought not to form part of the present Bill. There was no necessity for haste, for it was not probable that the debt on the Orphan's Fund could be discharged before twenty-eight years had elapsed. As to the proposition then before the House, on which he had been consulted, he had given no opinion, and with it Government was not disposed to interfere.
§ The Clause agreed to, and Bill read a second time.