§ Mr. B. Hoymoved, that there be laid before the House a return of the number of steam-vessels 1054 employed between the Isle of Wight and the coast of Hampshire, during the last year. The number of steam-boats employed there was very great, and to make the tax equal, it ought to be laid on sailing-vessels, as well as steam-boats. Between the Isle of Wight and Southampton, 50,000 persons passed annually. He believed that the tax would be a serious impediment to that traffic, and though he did not mean vexatiously to oppose the Motion, he did hope that the noble Lord would give up the tax.
§ An hon. Member inquired if any Gentleman connected with the Government could inform him whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer intended to lay his proposed tax upon the steam-vessels or upon the passengers?
Mr. S. Ricesaid, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not intend that the tax should be imposed upon the passengers. The Chancellor of the Exchequer would take an early opportunity of detailing the plan by which he proposed to levy the tax on steam-navigation.
§ Motion agreed to.