Mr. Humecongratulated the House on getting rid of this monopoly, which instead of attaining the object in view, had a direct tendency to defeat it.
§ Lord Althorpsaid, there could be no doubt as to the propriety of bringing in a bill to regulate Hackney-Coaches and Cabriolets. With regard to Stage Coaches, they did not intend to lay restrictions upon them, to extend to the number of horses, and passengers they were to carry, so strictly as had hitherto been done.
Mr. Sadlerthought, a further inquiry ought to be made, before passing a measure which was likely to affect so many interests, and cause great inconvenience.
§ Lord Althorphoped to introduce such provisions as would protect Hackney-Coach proprietors, but he did not see how the measure would materially affect Stage-Coach proprietors. All considerations of that nature had better be deferred to another opportunity.
§ The following Resolutions were reported and agreed to:—
§ 1. "That the duties under the care of the Commissioners for Licensing and regulating Hackney-Coaches, and now payable in respect of Hackney-Coaches, Chariots, and two-wheeled carriages, shall cease and determine; and in lieu thereof there shall be raised, levied, collected, and paid, the several Stamp duties following (that is to say):
§ "For and upon every License to keep, use, employ, and let to hire, any Hackney-Coach at any place within the distance of five miles from the General Post-office of 130 the City of London 5l. And for and in respect of every such License as aforesaid, weekly, and every week during the continuance thereof, the sum of 10s.
§ 2. "That it is expedient to transfer the management of the said duties on Hackney Coaches to the Commissioners of Stamps."
§ Bill to be brought in.