HC Deb 10 July 1832 vol 14 c226

On the Motion of Lord Althorp, the House resolved itself into a Committee on the Customs' Duties Bill.

Mr. Poulett Thomson

moved, that a sum of 803l. should be paid out of the Consolidated Fund, to purchase the port charges on wines imported into the County Palatine of Lancaster for the year 1833.

Mr. Hume

wished to know from the noble Lord, in what way the value of those charges had been ascertained, to whom the 803l. was to be paid, and whether it might not be got rid of?

Lord Althorp

said, that the Earl of Clarendon was the present lessee, but the charges were the private property of the King, and would continue as long as the duchy of Lancaster continued.

Mr. Hume

said, it appeared to him that this was a sinecure, and he should oppose any motion which would have the effect of preventing any future Parliament from dealing with this, as he hoped ere long all other sinecures would be dealt with.

Lord Althorp

said, that the present Motion would not have the effect contemplated by the hon. Member. The only object was, to free the port of Liverpool from this tax.

Mr. Hume

said, that the whole revenues of the duchy of Lancaster ought to be brought under the control of the House.

Mr. Alderman Thompson

said, that the port of Liverpool ought not to be relieved from the tax at the expense of the public, unless all other ports were similarly relieved.

Mr. Hume

took the same view of the case, and expressed a hope that the Motion might be postponed.

Mr. Poulett Thomson

said, that those charges at Liverpool were different from all other port charges at other ports; and he, therefore, hoped that the hon. Member would not persevere in opposing the Motion.

Resolution agreed to; as were the schedules attached to the Bill, and a Resolution to remove the bounty on hemp and spun-yarn.

The House resumed.