CUSTOMS ACTS (ISLE OF MAN). (Hansard, 7 July 1853)

§ SIR JOSHUA WALMSLEY
said, he objected to this measure because the Bill was an infringement of the privileges of the Isle of Man, and also with the rights of property, and he hoped, that unless the Government could show that they had the consent of the House of Keys and the people of the island, that the Committee would not sanction the imposition of increased duties. The proposition had not been submitted as promised, to the authorities of the island, and he complained that provision was not made by the Government to give to the House of Keys control over the taxes it was proposed to raise. This was an attempt to bring the island, with the customs of the Isle of Man, within the general customs laws of the kingdom, for the first time; and as this was opposed to the privileges and rights of the people of the Isle of Man, he should, if the Resolutions were pressed at that late hour, divide against them. On a former occasion a question was put to the hon. Gentleman (Mr. J. Wilson) on this subject, and his answer was, that he had the sanction of the authorities of the Isle of Man for the imposition of these duties. [Mr. WILSON; No, no!] The hon. Gentleman said "No, 1409 no but such was his (Sir J. Walmsley's) opinion. If the hon. Gentleman intended to My that he had not the sanction of the Isle of Man for imposing these new duties upon them, then it was still more extraordinary, at that time of the morning [half-past two o'clock] and without any explanation, he should be permitted to place the Resolution before them.

§ MR. J. WILSON
said, that this was a mere preliminary Resolution, upon which a Bill would be introduced, and while that Bill was passing through its various stages, ample opportunity would be afforded for full discussion of its details. The Bill, although it increased duties to a small extent, removed most serious impediments to the trade of the island. He had taken the precaution, several weeks ago, to write to the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, informing him fully of the proposed changes. The Lieutenant Governor called the House of Keys together, and they had expressed opinions not at all inimical to the proposed changes, but had suggested some alterations and modifications, which he would take into consideration.

§ SIR JOSHUA WALMSLEY
said, that when the hon. Member for Westbury stated that the course taken by the Government was approved by the Manx people, it was impossible he could justify such a statement, which was exactly the reverse of truth. He (Sir J. Walmsley) denied that the officials of the Isle of Man had approved the proposal of Her Majesty's Government. He would throw every obstacle in his power in the way of the Resolution, and he, therefore, begged to move that the Chairman report progress.