HC Deb 30 May 1851 vol 117 cc324-5

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. DISRAELI

said, that at the time when a change of policy took place on the part of the Government, he intimated that in consequence of that great change it was necessary to reconsider the financial arrangements, and that the measures brought forward would not be allowed to proceed without considerable discussion. He therefore hoped the second reading of the Customs Bill would not be pressed at that late hour.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

had not understood that there was any intention to offer opposition on these subjects, though some discussion was anticipated. Intimation had been made as regarded the repeal of the window tax, that it was not intended to interfere with the measure.

MR. DISRAELI

said, that he certainly had said it was not intended to interfere in any way as regarded the window tax; but that was before the Resolution had been adopted to vote the income tax for one year only. It was in consequence of that Resolution having been adopted, that he said he thought after that Vote that they were perfectly free on his side of the House to consider the effect of the propositions of the Government with reference to that important vote. Considering the effect of that Vote in his estimation on the finance of the country, and also on public credit, he hoped the Motion would not be pressed then.

MR. MITCHELL

trusted those interested in the timber trade, and others, would not be left much longer in a state of uncertainty.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, under present circumstances, and considering the period of the night (half-past Eleven o'clock), he would not press the Motion. He would, however, remind the hon. Gentleman that the Reso- lutions had been passed without opposition; and it would be for the convenience of parties interested that a decision should be come to as speedily as possible.

MR. DISRAELI

felt that an explanation was demanded by the remark of the right hon. Gentleman, who seemed to intimate that after the Resolutions which had been adopted, the House was bound to a certain line. But they had arrived at a different state of affairs. The Budget of the Government was formed on the idea that the income tax would be renewed for three years; therefore he protested against the conclusion suggested by the right hon. Gentleman's observation.

Order for Second Reading was deferred till Monday next, as was also the Second Reading of the Inhabited House Duty Bill.