§ Sir R. Peelwas anxious to put a question to the right hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which was of some importance. As he had not given any notice of his intention to the right hon. Gentleman, he was, of course, not bound to answer it, but he thought there could be no difficulty in the matter. The subject to which his question was directed called for some public declaration on the part of the Government; he alluded to the Question of the Tea Duties. At present those duties were regulated, as the house doubtless was aware, on a graduated scale, and there were three different grades of duties. The Committee, by which the whole subject had last year been investigated, had not expressed any decided opinion upon it, but had advised the present duties to be continued for some time longer, leaving the matter to be dealt with by the Government, and those duties still continued. He wished to know whether any alteration was contemplated by the present Government. If no alteration was intended, it was extremely desirable that it should be publicly known, and it was equally important that any change in the present system of duties should also be communicated to the public, on account of the peculiar situation of the China trade at this particular season of the year. He put this question, because whether the present system was to be adhered to, or whether any alteration of it was contemplated, it was important that it should forthwith be made public.
The Chancellor of the Exchequerconcurred in thinking that the earliest information ought to be given to the public on this subject, but he was unable at present to give that reply which was asked from him. A deputation connected with the Tea Trade had solicited an interview with him upon the subject, and until that inter- 1071 view had taken place he could not give any reply. On the earliest possible opportunity he would afford the House the desired information.