The Chancellor of the Exchequermoved the third reading of a Bill for carrying into effect a measure agreed to with the Government of Sardinia for suppressing the Slave Trade.
§ Mr. Humetook the opportunity of asking if any measure had been or would be taken to put a stop to the practices at present prevalent in Cuba, where the slave trade was in a very flourishing condition—where, indeed, every vessel sailing to the coast of Africa might be insured for a fixed rate of percentage! The French flag had wholly disappeared in connexion with this traffic, 1092 but still the Spanish flag was to be found covering its continuance. If this state of things were to remain, it was impossible that they could expect in our own West-India islands that improvement in our black population which it was desirable to see effected. He wished to ask whether, under the agreements existing with the Spanish Government—for which agreements we had paid 800,000l.—we had not the power immediately to enforce the abolition of the trade?—and if not, whether some other agreement could not be entered into?
§ Mr. Charles Woodadmitted that the statement concerning the prevalence of the traffic in slaves in the island of Cuba was but too true: the best proof of the activity of the Government in endeavouring to repress it was to be found in the several captures which had been lately made. Negotiations were, however, going on at that moment with Spain, for the purpose of effecting a new treaty; and as they were still incomplete, he could not at present enter into them.
§ Mr. Humesaid, nothing but the declaring of this trade to be piracy would be effectual in suppressing it.
§ Bill read a third time.