HC Deb 11 June 1855 vol 138 cc1831-2

Order for Second reading read,

In reply to LORD WILLIAM GRAHAM,

MR. WILSON

said, there had been no greater disadvantage than that to which large numbers of coach manufacturers in London, Birmingham, and other parts of the country had for many years been exposed by the very high duty charged on spirits of wine, which they used extensively in their trade. The subject had engaged the attention of every Government during the last twenty years; and the Board of Inland Revenue, acting on the advice of certain eminent chemists, had recommended that, by the admixture of a small quantity of naphtha in spirits of wine, the wine would be effectually spoiled for ordinary use, but not at all injured for the purpose for which manufacturers used it; and they might thus be relieved from the high duty they now paid upon it. The Board of Inland Revenue had recommended that course to be adopted, and the Government had acted upon that recommendation in bringing in the Bill.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, he wished to ask what the loss to the revenue would be under this Bill?

MR. WILSON

said, it would be between 70,000l. and 80,000l., but that was only the measure of disadvantage which our manufacturers laboured under as compared with their competitors in France and other continental States.

Bill read 2a.