§ Mr. Cobdensaid, that the right hon. Baronet in his speech introducing his measure on the Corn-laws, had spoken of certain exclusive burdens borne by land, which he considered formed a ground for proposing to levy a tax upon food for the benefit of a particular class. He wished to ask the right hon. Baronet whether he was prepared to lay before the House a specification of those particular burdens, for he thought it would be more satisfactory to the country to have the facts before they entered upon the present discussion? He would put the question to the right hon. Baronet, whether he was prepared to submit to the House, before going into Committee, a specification of those particular burdens which he thought pressed upon the landed interest.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, the question of the lion. Gentleman involved a matter that was the subject of much controversy. The greatest political economists differed much as to what were and what were not burdens on the landed interest. Adam Smith thought tithes a burden on land, and Mr. M'Culloch was of the same opinion, but other writers on those subjects entertained different opinions. The noble Lord opposite had in his speech the other night come to the conclusion that there were particular burdens on the land which justified him in proposing a fixed duty. The subject was one for discussion to grow out of reasoning and examination of the facts; and he was sure the hon. Gentleman would see that it would he impossible for him to lay upon the table, in any official form, the information which he required.
§ Mr. Cobdensaid, the right hon. Baronet could explain his own opinion on the subject.
§ Sir R. Peelsubmitted to the hon. Member that it was usual to deliver opinions in speeches, and that it was quite unusual for any hon. Member to lay on the Table any official statement of his opinions.
§ Mr. Ewartasked whether the right hon. Baronet had any objection to state what were the real burdens borne by land, that the public might know whether they had any real claim to protection and compensation.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, his answer was, that he proposed to remit the duties on foreign corn from 22s. to 10s., and he hoped the hon. Gentleman would unite with him in passing the measure into a law as speedily as possible.
§ Subject at an end.