§ On the bringing up the report on the West India Islands Relief Bill,
§ Mr. Mackinnon roseto remonstrate against the measure. The bill went to advance 150,000l., of which 100,000l. was to go to Antigua, and 50,000l. to St. Kitt's and to Nevis. The principle was an unjust one. It was as if a fire took place in Windsor or Reading, and a considerable sum of money were voted by Parliament for the relief of the sufferers, which was to be repaid by a tax levied upon the whole of the inhabitants of the place. On behalf of the proprietors of Antigua he was instructed to make a strong remonstrance, as the advance would benefit a few individuals only, while the rest of the community would derive no benefit whatever from it. He submitted that a clause should be introduced to make the recipients responsible for the re- 359 payment of the money. Money had never been advanced in this manner before; and he trusted that the noble Lord at the head of the colonies would reconsider the matter.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid that both public buildings and private property had suffered, particularly the former; and the Government in this country would find it difficult to undertake the distribution of the money. It was, therefore, deemed expedient to intrust that business to the Colonial Legislature; but there was no hardship in the measure.
§ The report received.