HC Deb 05 September 1831 vol 6 cc1166-8

Mr. Poulett Thomson moved, that the Sugar Refining Bill be committed on Wednesday next.

Mr. Robert Gordon

observed, that there was no chance of obtaining a fair discussion on the Bill on Wednesday, and it was a measure which very much affected great and extensive interests, and which the commercial world was watching with attention. He trusted, therefore, that the noble Lord would consent to postpone the Committee on the Bill, for a more wicked measure he could hardly conceive. He knew that the language of Ministers was, that the doom of the West-Indians was fixed; but of all bills that ever were brought forward, this had the least of reason to support it.

Mr. George Robinson

contended, that the House was so exhausted by its attention to the Reform Bill, that it was utterly incapable of properly discussing the important questions brought before it; and he deprecated the practice of Ministers, in putting such measures down on the Order-book, day after day, when they knew that they could not be settled. Many Members supported Ministers upon such bills as the present, though they disapproved of them; but their motive was an apprehension that they should otherwise injure the cause of Reform.

Lord Althorp

said, the Bill was merely the renewal of an Act which had passed through the House a number of years successively without opposition.

Mr. Keith Douglas

said, it had been admitted by the late Government that the Act ought not to be renewed as a matter of course. He was aware that this and many other important questions had been postponed on account of the Reform Bill, but the subject of complaint was, that such measures ought not to have been introduced under such circumstances. It would be better that the Bill should be wholly withdrawn until the Reform Bill was disposed of.

Mr. Poulett Thomson

said, the present Government was most desirous that the colonies should have every indulgence possible shewn them, consistent with justice and impartiality, and he had no doubt that an opportunity would, in a few days, be offered when the whole subject could be fully discussed.

Mr. Robert Gordon

wished the hon. Gentleman, the Vice-President of the Board of Trade, would consent to postpone the Committee on the Bill until this day three weeks.

Mr. Poulett Thomson

said, he could not agree to his hon. friend's proposal.

Mr. Robert Gordon

said, he and the great body of the West-India proprietors were most anxious to improve the condition of the slaves, but they were thwarted by the measures of Ministers. He had no wish to trouble them more than necessary, but he should propose as an Amendment, that the 16ih of September should be substituted for the time named in the original motion.

Mr. George Robinson

hoped the noble Lord would keep them in suspense as short a time as possible.

Lord Althorp

proposed it should come on on Tuesday next.

Ordered accordingly.