The Marquis of Chandos,in presenting a Petition from the West-India Planters, praying for a reduction in the Duty on Coffee, observed, that he could not avoid expressing his regret, that nothing had been done for the Colonies in the late reductions of taxation; but since his Majesty's Government were disposed to afford relief where it was most wanted, he was not without hopes that they would yet, before the Session was at an end, do something for the Colonies, which were in a lamentable state. The loss of income in some of them was so great as to endanger their existence. When it was considered how much the former reductions of the duty on Coffee had increased the sale of that article, the petitioners were justified in anticipating, from a further reduction of duty, no loss to the revenue. Such a measure would be equally beneficial to the Colonies, and the mother country.
§ Mr. K. Douglasconcurred with the prayer of the petition, and gave notice of his intention to bring the subject of the trade of the West-India Colonies generally under the notice of the House shortly alter the Easter recess, with the assistance of the noble Lord. He must also express his regret that nothing had been done for the West-India Islands. As the trade with them was very advantageous, it was only right that they should receive their fair share of protection.
The Chancellor of the Exchequerhoped that the difficulties under which the West-India interest laboured would speedily be at an end. It would, no doubt, be extremely satisfactory to the Government to afford the petitioners any relief which they possibly could by the removal of any taxes which could safely be repealed. In bringing before the House his financial statement, he carefully considered those imposts which could with most advantage be repealed; and in looking at the choice he had made, he thought it best calculated on the whole to effect the legitimate objects of reduction. In his view the taxes on West-India produce could not with propriety be remitted, while the taxes on commodities made at home remained so high. Though not directly, yet indirectly, the West-India interest would derive bene- 623 fit from the reductions which had been made.
Mr. R. Gordonthought a reduction of 7s. or 8s. duty on the chief produce of the West-Indies, he meant sugar, might be made without any loss to the revenue.
§ Petition printed.