§ Mr. George Bankessaid, that, as a counterpoise to the great influence which the practical knowledge of the hon. member for Ipswich must of necessity give him in the Select Committee on the Silk Trade, he would move, that the name of Mr. Wynn Ellis, a Gentleman also extensively engaged in the Silk Trade, be added to the Committee. He also intended to move, that the names of Mr. Robinson and Mr. John Stanley he added to the Committee. He was aware that it might be alleged that some stagnation had already taken place in this trade, in consequence of the appointment of the Committee; but he contended, that any degree of stagnation which had taken place was to be attributed, not to the Committee, but to the speech of the right hon. the Vice President of the Board of Trade, with which the concession of that Committee was accompanied. He considered that speech was calculated to do much mischief, and prevent, in no small degree, the benefit which might otherwise 286 have been expected from the Committee; and, he entreated the right hon. Gentleman, if the Government had come to a determination on the subject, and only appointed the Committee to register that determination—he entreated him at once to state the fact, and explain the measures he had in contemplation. In conclusion, he observed that, if the very reasonable proposition he was about to submit was refused, he should consider it quite clear that the silk trade had nothing of good to expect from the Committee. The hon. Member then moved, that Mr. Wynn Ellis be added to the Committee.
§ Lord Althorpwas not prepared to offer any opposition to this Motion. He would, however, object to the addition of the other two names, not from any personal feelings, but upon principle. It was very inconvenient to have names added to a Committee which had once been regularly and properly appointed.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Mr. George Bankes moved, that Mr. Robinson's name be added to the Committee.
§ Negatived.