| Declared Value. | ||
| 1834 | £.36,531,000 | |
| 1335 | 41,350,000 | |
| £.4,819,000 | Increase 13 per cent. | |
| LINEN MANUFACTURES. | ||
| 1834 | £.2,579,000 | |
| 1835 | 3,226,000 | |
| 647,000 | Increase 26 per cent. | |
| COTTON. | ||
| 1834 | £.15,302,000 | |
| 1835 | 16,394,000 | |
| £.1,092,000 | Increase 7 per cent. | |
| HARDWARE AND CUTLERY. | ||
| 1834 | £.1,485,000 | |
| 1835 | 1,835,000 | |
| £.350,000 | Increase 23 per cent. | |
| SILK. | ||
| 1834 | £.637,000 | |
| 1835 | 972,000 | |
| £.335,000 | Increase 6 per cent. | |
| WOOLLEN. | ||
| 1834 | £.5,975,000 | |
| 1835 | 7,046,000 | |
| £.1,071,000 | Increase 18 per cent. |
§ Out of the seventeen articles of export, which might be enumerated, there has been an increase on fourteen. The only articles on which there has been any decrease, and that but to a trifling extent, are tin, salt, and refined sugar; But let not the state of our commerce be judged of by our exports alone; the increased
646§ but also an increase in declared value, amounting to no less a sum than 4,265,840l. Hon. Gentlemen will, perhaps, think with me, that the most sanguine expectations could not have anticipated a state of commercial prosperity greater than this. I shall proceed to refer to the great branches of industry throughout the country, and I am enabled to show how this great export-trade has been distributed amongst them:—
§ demand for our produce in foreign countries must ever re-act upon the home-market, and produce there an increased consumption of articles of foreign import. Let us, therefore, examine the state of the import trade. Let us first consider the importation of cotton-wool.
647| COTTON WOOL FOR HOME-CONSUMPTION. | |
| 1833 | 293,682,000 lbs. |
| 1834 | 302,935,000 |
| 1835 | 333,080,000 |
§ The capital invested in buildings and machinery amounts to 4,000,000l., calculated to give employment to 90,000 per-
| IRON AND STEEL. | |
| Declared value exported. | |
| 1833 | £.1,405,035 |
| 1834 | 1,406,872 |
| 1835 | 1,680,750 |
| Increase 19½ per cent. |
§ As an illustration of the demand for iron abroad, and the enormous power of production in this country, I may be permitted to mention that an order was received on the 6th of May last, at one manufactory, for 1,800 tons of iron railway for America. That order was executed before the month of September, without derangement to the other business of the establishment, and by that time there were manufactured and exported iron rails sufficient to lay down a railroad 57½ English miles. It is true, that in some articles of our Customs there has been a slight falling-off. I pass over this part of the subject lightly, for the falling-off may, in all cases, be easily accounted for, by
| INCREASE OF HOME-MADE SPIRITS, ACCOUNTING FOR. DECREASE OF BRANDY. | |
| 1834 | £.21,874,000 |
| 1835 | 23,397,000 |
| 1836 | 24,710,000 |
| Brandy, April 5, 1834 | 1,634,000 |
| 1835 | 1,589,000 |
| 1836 | 1,487,000 |
| Estimate for 1837 | 1,537,000 |
§ It is impossible to look at these Returns without noticing the fact, that as we have advanced in sound commercial and financial policy, in the same proportion have
648§ sons. The following Table gives the result of our iron trade:—
§ any person who will take the trouble of investigating the subject. For instance, there is a falling-off in the article of foreign brandy. One cause is, undoubtedly, that the duty on foreign brandy is at present extravagantly high. That duty, if it can be defended at all, is to be justified only as a protection to the distiller of home spirits, and to the grower of barley.' But this is a reason, and not a justification. But we may account for the reduced import of brandy on other grounds. While the consumption of foreign brandy has decreased, the consumption of homemade spirits has largely increased, as the following table will show:—
§ our commercial and financial interests been marked by prosperity. In a very few words I may venture to refer to certain articles as illustrative of that com- 649 mercial policy which has so often been questioned, and made a matter of grave dispute in this House, Let me take, as an example, the article of gloves. Let us see whether the adoption of a more liberal policy in the case of this article of manufacture has been attended by loss to the home manufacturer, or whether it has not had precisely a contrary effect. A few examples derived from the glove-trade and from other trades of a similar description, will show how the new "principles of free-trade,'' as they are called, have worked. I will call them the principles of Mr. Huskisson—for Mr. Huskisson was the Minister who advocated, with the greatest force and power, the great political truths on which true commercial policy should be founded. He was the Statesman with whom originated that commercial system, on which, for some years past, the Government and the Parliament of England have been steadily and fortunately acting. To return to the glove-trade. I beg leave to remind the House how often it was predicted that the result of a free trade in foreign gloves would be the destruction of the British manufacturer. Now, on comparing the importation of foreign gloves for each of the last two years, it appears that the number of pairs of foreign gloves imported has been reduced from 1,603,000 to 1,290,000; shewing a decrease of 313,000. Coincident, however, with this decrease, the importation of kid skins, out of which gloves are manufactured, has augmented, so as to give a great stimulus to that very trade, the ruin of which was anticipated. In 1834, there were imported 181,000 undressed, and 617,000 dressed kid-skins, making a total of 798,000 skins altogether. In 1835, the number of undressed skins was 235,000, and of dressed 791,000; making a total of 1,044,000, and showing an increase in the year, of 246,000 skins. In a word, by the system we have pursued, the importation of the manufactured article has decreased, whilst, from the ascertained fact of an increased and increasing importation of the raw material, we are able to deduce the satisfactory conclusion, that the industry of the country in this very article is greatly augmenting. The only other illustration of this principle with which I shall trouble the Committee is one derived from the silk trade—that trade which we are told was to be entirely crushed by the policy we 650 have adopted. Now let us consider what has been the condition of the silk trade of late years; and, contrasting that condition with the state in which we now find it, let us see how the forebodings of those who are opposed to our views have been realized. Upon comparing the Returns of the importation of raw silk in the years 1834 and 1835, what do we find to be the result? In 1834, the quantity of raw silk imported was 3,346,0001bs.; of waste, l,009,0001bs; and of thrown, 185,0001bs.; making a total of 4,540,0001bs. In 1835, the quantity of raw silk was 4,151,0001bs.; of waste, 1,382,0001bs.; and of thrown, 254,0001bs.; making a totalof5,787,000Ibs. and showing, in the year, an increase of l,267,0001bs.: and at the same time it should be observed, that there has been a decrease in the amount of the ad valorem duties received on the manufactured silks imported. This state of trade proves, that the alteration of the law has, instead of ending, as was anticipated, in the ruin of the English silk manufacturer, been of essential service to him. In 1834, the amount of duties on manufactured silks imported was 188,000l. whereas in 1835, it was only 165,000l. Thus we find, as the result of the altered system—of that calumniated system of less restricted intercourse—an increased importation of the raw material, which necessarily implies increased employment at home, and a diminished importation of the foreign manufactured article. I might show, by the like means, that with regard to foreign wines and other articles, the whole of the principle upon which we proceed has been borne out by the result. I observe my hon. Friend, the Member for Worcester, differs from me on this point. [Mr. Robinson: In the case of French wines.] I believe they constitute no exception from my statement. I have not by me, at this moment, the Return, but my impression is, that the result, as regards French wines, is precisely the same as that of the other articles I have particularised. I am prepared to show, more generally, from a review of the accounts of the last four years, that the reductions which have been made during that time in the Customs' duties have been wisely and judiciously made. I am prepared to show, that though we have lost upon those articles on which the duties have been reduced during the two first years that have followed the reduction, we have gained upon them during 651 the two last, and have thus actually added to the receipts of the Exchequer, not by the increase, but by the reduction of duties. I cannot quit this subject without alluding to the increased amount of Customs' duties collected in Ireland, as evinced by the Returns from the most important ports in that country. We ought not to exclude the amount of Customs levied in Ireland from our consideration on the present occasion, more especially as the increase in
| Year ending Jan. 1, 1833. | 1834. | 1835. | 1836. | |
| Belfast | £181,000 | £ 194,000 | £253,000 | £319,000 |
| Cork | 149,000 | l6l,000 | 166,081 | 186,600 |
| Dublin | 576,000 | 546,000 | 661,000 | 816,000 |
| Limerick | 90,000 | 97,000 | 115,000 | 128,000 |
| Derry | 56,000 | 56,000 | 72,000 | 85,000 |
| Waterford | 102,000 | 103,000 | 112,000 | 124,000 |
§ It is quite true, that in the latter year there is included a considerable importation of tea; but from this circumstance, as well as from the gratifying fact, that there has arisen now, from many of the Irish ports, a direct trade between Ireland and China—a matter which we, who took part in the discussion respecting the opening of that trade, never anticipated; from these, as well as many other circumstances, I derive the most satisfactory assurances that the condition of the Irish people is improving. I think the House will join with me in the conclusion, that upon this general statement there is great ground for gratitude and congratulation; but I cannot conclude my observations in respect to the Customs, without adverting to the reductions lately made in the expenses incurred in the collection of this branch of revenue. Upon this point I am happy in being able to say, considerable progress has been already made; and as a reduction of the expenses of the collection of the revenue is a matter which is most important to the public, I trust the Committee will excuse me if I claim their attention to the subject. It is often said, that it behoves this House to ask, on behalf of the public, for information on those branches of expenditure which are not annually voted by us. I concur entirely in the proposition, that the House has a right to demand such information; and it is with a view of giving it that I take the liberty of now stating some few details, to show the progress we have made on this head;—
652§ the consumption of foreign articles marks the increased command over the luxuries of life enjoyed by the Irish people. If we can measure that increased power, we obtain some insight into the progress of comfort and civilization among the population of Ireland. The document I hold in my hand is a Return of the Customs' receipts in the principal Irish ports for the years ending 1833, 1834, 1835, and 1836. It is as follows:
| EXPENSE OF COLLECTION OF CUSTOMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. | ||
| (Exclusive of Coast Guard, &c.) | ||
| For the year | No. of Officers. | Salaries. |
| 1817 | 7731 | £819,686 |
| 1822 | 6788 | 726,572 |
| 1827 | 5220 | 630,801 |
| 1832 | 4976 | 565,021 |
| 1835 | 4809 | 558,644 |
| Diminution in 18 years | 2922 | 261,042 |
§ I think by this statement it is abundantly proved, that we are making considerable advances towards a more economical collection of revenue; and on the part of the Government I do not hesitate in giving a promise that—where it can be done with perfect safety to the revenue, and without danger to the multifarious interests depending upon the proper performance of the duties attached to the officer of Customs, we shall continue in the course on which we have entered, and that whenever a reduction can be adequately made, then a reduction shall take place. It must, how- 653 ever, be clearly understood that the subject is one surrounded with much difficulty, and that in many cases, a reduction will be, for the present, wholly impracticable. It is more than probable that the considerations I have mentioned, (namely—the protection of the revenue, and a due regard to the interests involved,)—may compel us, in particular instances, to increase existing departmental establishments. I may mention, that from the important port of the Clyde we have received a most urgent remonstrance upon this subject, in which it is stated that the present Customs establishment, there, is utterly inadequate, and that, as an act of justice to the parties engaged in its commerce, as well as for the sake of the revenue, some addition should be made to the strength of the establishment. Now this application, if well founded, we must accede to, because we should not be justified for the sake of a paltry unsubstantial economy, in reducing the establishment so low as to hazard either frauds upon the revenue, or the interests of the fair and honest trader, as opposed, as they must be, to those who infringe upon the laws. I now come to the Excise branches of the revenue, and here I expect the House will call upon me to be more explicit than I have hitherto been, and to state clearly the ground upon which I venture to estimate that there will be found, for the coming year, an increase under this head. Well, Sir, the grounds upon which my supposition is based, are as follow:—Under the great heads of revenue, in my budget of last year, the Committee will recollect I stated what had been the ratio of increase which in each year had taken place during the preceding four years; and, having done so, I compared the last year with the preceding three years, with a view of showing how, in each department, the case exactly stood. I have now the result of a similar computation to lay before the Committee, and it will be perceived by my statement that we have progressed still further in our course of prosperity, and that the improvement upon which I had to congratulate the House last year, continues still to flow in a steady and gradually increasing stream. I will take each head alphabetically as it stands, commencing with that of auctions,— 654
| Increase per cent. year ending 5th April, 1835, as compared with average of three preceding years. | Increase per cent. year ending 5th April 1836, as compared with average of three preceding years. | |||
| Auctions | 12 | 1 | ||
| Bricks | 11 | 29 | ||
| Glass | 14 | 17 | ||
| Hops | 21 | 45 | ||
| Number of Licences | 4 | 4 | ||
| Malt | 3 | 14 | ||
| Paper, first and second class | 7 | 8 | ||
| Mill-board | 7 | 8 | ||
| Stained | 17 | 4 | decrease | |
| Hard soap | 15 | 8 | ||
| Soft soap | 1 | decrease | 12 | increase |
| Spirits | 7 | 13 | ||
| Vinegar | 13 | 7 |
| Year ending Jan. 1. | Bushels. | Bushels. |
| 1833 the consumption was | 37,987,000 | Average 39,722,600 |
| 1834 | 40,517,000 | |
| 1835 | 40,662,000 | |
| 1836 | 45,317,000 | |
| Being an increase of | 5,595,000 |
§ To those who doubt the policy of the course which the Members of the present Government have pursued—first, in reference to the repeal of the beer-tax; and next, in resisting a repeal of the malt-duty,—I would say, that I think the results to which I have just referred will justify them, and that Gentlemen on both sides of the House may consider that they acted wisely, both in supporting my right hon. Friend, the Member for Cambridge, in the repeal of the beer-tax, and his Majesty's Government, in resisting the reduction of the malt-tax; because it must be allowed that it is impossible this greatly-increased consumption can have taken place throughout the land without having given to the agriculturist the full measure of the benefit indicated by it. But I anticipate a still greater consumption in the next year; and my expectation of a still greater increase of 655 revenue from the malt-duty rests upon no vague surmise or calculation of my own, but is founded upon the result of former years. By the malt-laws, as they at present exist, the amount is estimated for six months before the collection is made. I have before me an account of the amount received in the last three months, as well as of the amount receivable for the next three months; and the remaining two quarters being uncertain, I take them from the average of six months' consumption for the preceding three years. The result of these calculations is, that the Amount of receipt to October 10,
| 1836, as estimated from actual charge, is | £4,370,000 |
| And the amount of the Estimate from October 10, 1836, to April 5,1837, on average receipt for three years, will be | 1,480,000 |
| £5,850,000 | |
| Which deducting repayments from the malt drawback | 200,000 |
| Will show that the probable increased amount of duty next year will be | £5,650,000 |
§ I cannot quit this question of the Excise without adverting to an experiment which the House sanctioned me in making last year, and pointing out the beneficial results to which I was justified in hoping it would lead, because it will be material when I come to the close of my argument. I allude to the reduction of the duty on flint
| lbs. | |||
| The first round, ending Feb. 20, 1835, | amounted to | 1,196,720 | |
| 1836 | 1,272,992 | ||
| The increase, 1836 | 76,272 | ||
| The second round, 1835 | 1,219,792 | ||
| 1836 | 1,394,176 | ||
| The increase, 1836 | 174,384 | ||
| The two rounds for the Quarter ending April 5,1835 | 2,416,512 | ||
| 1836 | 2,667,168 | ||
| Leaving a total increase in 1836 of 10 per cent, upon flint glass. | 250,656 | lbs. weight; or |
§ And this is the effect which has been produced merely on the introduction of the change; indeed, to show the effect produced by the reduction, notwithstanding the rise which has taken place in red lead and American ashes. I find the statement contained in a report I have received as to the result of the alteration.
656§ glass—a trade in which there was reason to expect that England would enter into competition with surrounding nations, if the duty of 6d. per 1b. which pressed upon it could be lightened. I ventured therefore to propose a reduction of the duty from 6d. to 2d. per lb. In this I had two objects—the one the suppression of smuggling, by which I knew that the actual honest manufacturer was oppressed, and that the revenue was cheated in the article of the drawback—the other was to prevent the exertions of the industrious producer from being oppressed by the amount of the duty. I made the experiment, therefore, but it has hitherto been so short a time in operation, that I have not the means of saying that all my anticipations have been realized, but I have it in my power, however, to show the House, that from the steps which the Government are taking in the reduction of the duty, we have reason to expect that those anticipations will prove to have been well founded. With respect to flint glass, I never anticipated that the effects of the reduction would be instantaneous, because I knew that until increased competition was called into action, and additional capital employed in the production, the benefit of the remission of the duties would remain in the hands of the manufacturer, and that it was only from increased competition the public at large would derive benefit; but they are now getting that benefit, as a comparison of analogous periods in 1835 and 1836 will show:—
§ "In the Lichfield collection two additional furnaces have been built; a manufactory reopened; another is in course of erection; a third is contemplated. In Manchester there is an increase of fourteen per cent.; in Stourbridge of eleven, notwithstanding the increased price of the materials, the value of red lead and American ashes having considerably more than doubled in the last year. In the York 657 collection the manufacturer has considerably enlarged his works, but has yet more orders than he can execute during the next four months. In London the immense demand for phials, moulded bottles, and other low-priced articles, shows that the illicit manufacturer is beaten out of the market, and causes great difficulty in procuring a sufficient number of hands to perform the work. There are comparatively few arrests for illicit manufacture."
§ Thus the Legislature has produced increased enjoyment and comfort for the people with a diminution of litigation, and a reduction in the frequency of prosecutions, imprisonments, and penalties. This result ought surely to be an encouragement to the House and to the Government to persevere in the course they have taken. There is also another article to which it is important to refer, and which was relieved last year to a considerable extent—I allude to Irish spirits. My noble Friend who preceded me as Chancellor of the Exchequer, finding a decrease in the amount of Irish spirits annually brought to charge, although the consumption was well known to have increased, felt himself compelled to reduce the duty. The result has been as follows: the amount brought to charge for the year ending
| Gallons. | |||
| January 1, 1833 | was | 8,542,000 | |
| 1834 | 8,382,000 | ||
| 1835 | 10,329,000 | ||
| Average | 9,084,000 | ||
| The amount in 1836 was | 11,634,000 | ||
| Being an increase of | 2,549,000 | gallons. |
In the clothing districts of Gloucester and Somerset there was a very great improvement; there was no one case of the insolvency of a master or weaver on his own account, where three years ago there had been several. Such a general prosperity was observable in the manufacturing parts of northern and midland counties, that the Judge had frequently expressed in Court his congratulations to the country. This was more especially noticeable at Nottingham and Leicester, where, on former occasions, the numbers of failures had been considerable, and the characters of some of them fraudulent.The Returns from Ireland presented the same results; but one of the most material and important facts for the House and the country to consider, is the improvement which has taken place in the agricultural parts of the country by the alteration of the poor-laws. I could scarcely have believed it possible that any legislative measure, however sound its principles, could come into such immediate and beneficial action. I admit that it has been aided by adventitious circumstances, by the general demand for labour, and by the low price of food during a great part of the time. I state these circumstances the more freely, because I know that my case is strong enough, after making all allowances. I do not attribute the favourable result of the altered law to those adventitious circumstances, because I might show that, at other periods neither a low price of provisions, nor an increased demand for labour, has produced the same reductions. I am therefore justified in attributing the results, not to two causes, which were common to both periods, but to one cause—the reform of the poor-laws, the effect of which is confined to the present time. This will be clearly demonstrated by the facts to which I am now about to refer.