Mr. Humepresented a Petition from the Tile-makers of London, praying for the Repeal of the Duties on Tiles, in consequence of their conviction that the reduction of duty on Slates, contemplated by the Bill now in progress through the House, would very materially injure their trade.
§ Mr. Briscoesaid, the prayer of the petition deserved the serious consideration of the noble Lord, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The repealing the duty on slates, and continuing the duty on tiles, would have the effect of completely excluding the latter from the market; thus the revenue would receive no advantage from the measure, but a number of persons would be thrown out of employment, who must be supported by their respective parishes.
§ Mr. Cresset Pelhamsaid, the pressure of the tax was severely felt in the county which he had the honour to represent.
§ Mr. Courtenaybegged to inquire, whether the subject was under the consideration of the noble Lord, the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. Spring Ricesaid, that Government had, with a view to ascertain the effect of the pending Bill on the petitioners, ordered returns to be made of the amount of duties chargeable on slates and tiles.
§ Mr. Briscoeassured the right hon. Secretary, he would find on inquiry, that the charge for slating was, in general, less than that for tiling: he had himself seen bills for the two species of work.
Mr. Humewas obliged to the hon. member for Surrey for his support; he was convinced the tax on tiles would, if continued, be ruinous to many individuals, without producing any benefit to the revenue.
§ Petition to lie on the Table.