§ Lord J. Russellgave notice, that, to-morrow evening, on the motion that the House go into a Committee on Ways and Means being
§
put, he would move the following resolution:—
That it is the opinion of this House, that it is practicable to supply the present inadequacy of the revenue by judicious alterations of the protective and differential duties, without any material increase of the public burdens, and that such course will at the same time promote the interest of trade, and afford relief to the industrious classes, and that this House considers that such course is best calculated to provide for the maintenance of the public safety and the general welfare of the country.
§ Viscount Howickwished to know in what manner the amendment was to be moved?
§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that the amendment would be moved as he stated yesterday.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, that, he supposed the Chancellor of the Exchequer would move that the Speaker do leave the Chair, and upon that question his noble Friend (Lord Sandon) would move his amendment. The question would then be, that the words proposed to be left out stand part of the question. In case that proposition were affirmed, the House would then go into committee; in case it were negatived, the noble Lord would then move his amendment.
§ Viscount Howicksaid, it seemed to him that that was an extremely inconvenient course, as it would lead to two debates and two divisions. If it was meant to take the sense of the House upon which of the two resolutions should be adopted, it appeared to him that, instead of his noble Friend moving the ways and means, the noble Member for Liverpool should be allowed precedence, and upon that motion that his noble Friend could move his resolution, upon which the sense of the House could be taken.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, that, of course, the noble Lord would first bring forward the general question, which would enable his (Sir R. Peel's) noble Friend to take the sense of the House on the sugar duties. If the noble Lord were to withdraw his motion, his noble Friend would not have an opportunity of submitting his resolution, as many might object to vote for his noble Friend, if his proposition were merely volunteered and not introduced, in consequence of the course adopted by the Government. He was sure the noble Lord (Lord J. Russell) would adhere to the announcement which he had already made as to his plan of financial policy,—Subject at an end.