§ Mr. Humeput the question of which he had given notice, namely, what was the intention of the Government as to the removal of the vexatious and exclusive privileges of trading, and the exercise of crafts enjoyed by the incorporated trades in the burghs of Scotland?
§ The Lord Advocatesaid, the Report of the Commissioners inclined towards the abolition of these exclusive privileges; and as great weight was due to their opinion, it had made a strong impression on his 1089 mind that there was not that necessity for these privileges which once existed; he thought that, to some extent, inconvenience was caused by them. On the other hand, it was proper he should state, that interests of a charitable nature had grown up which were connected with the preservation of these rights; but the Report did not state what was their extent. It would be necessary to be cautious in dealing with such matters.