HC Deb 26 February 1830 vol 22 cc1008-9
Sir R. Hill

presented a Petition from certain inhabitants of the county of Salop, complaining of the heavy duties on Malt and Beer.

Mr. Slaney

said, the petition was signed by 1,200 persons. He had proved last year that the duties imposed on Malt liquor, in various shapes, amounted to 200 per cent. He had been informed, and was glad to hear, that Government intended to do something to facilitate the retail supply of Beer to the working classes. He wished to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it were his intention to move for a Committee to inquire into the licensing system of public-houses? Having himself given notice of a motion relative to the burthens and restrictions on the manufacture and supply of Malt liquor, which comprised that among other objects, he should be glad that the matter should fall into better hands. If it turned out that he had been correctly informed as to the right hon. Gentleman's intention, giving Government full credit for a sincere wish to relieve the labouring classes, he should postpone his notice of motion, hoping, as he did, that Ministers would do their utmost to relieve the public burthens; and that though a revision of the licensing system might be the beginning, it would not prove the end of remedial measures.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that on Tuesday he should move for a Select Committee to inquire into the laws and regulations affecting the sale of Beer, with a view of ascertaining how far a free trade could be allowed in that article.

Colonel Davies

hoped that some county Member would take up the motion which the hon. Member's new-found confidence in Ministers had induced him to defer.

Mr. Slaney

was not indifferent to the subject, but wished to give Government time to act for itself.