HC Deb 22 March 1830 vol 23 cc694-5
Mr. Hume

staled, that he should likewise move for returns tending to show the evil effects of the existing Corn-laws, which he presumed it was intended to submit to the-revision of Parliament during the present Session. If, indeed, no more efficient Member could be induced to bring the subject before the House, it was his own intention to do so before the expiration of the Session. In moving for the Returns now required, he wished to enable Parliament to estimate the probable amount of our revenue, if only a moderate duty, such as he had formerly recommended, should be laid on. Under such a duty, the revenue derived from this branch of trade would have amounted, he believed, to about 1,190,000l. from the passing of the 9th of George IV. up to 1829, whereas it fell short of that sum, under the existing system nearly, 1,000,000l. sterling. He therefore moved for returns of the amount of the quantity of Wheat, Barley, and Rye, consumed in Great Britain during the intervening years, together with accounts of the average of Prices and Duties paid on the same, and also returns of the Importation of Foreign Corn into Great Britain, since the year 1815, stating the aggregate quantity of all sorts imported, distinguishing those importations which did not pay duty —together with the whole amount of Revenue received on the importation of foreign corn and meal in each year, since 1815. Ordered.