§ On the Question, "That the House at its rising do adjourn till Thursday next,"
§ MR. HUDSONsaid, he wished to draw attention to the grievance pressing on the shipping interest with reference to Passing Tolls. Years ago a pledge had been given for the repeal of those tolls; the pledge had been repeated again and again, and Bills on the subject had been brought in unsuccessfully. He now asked whether it is intended to bring in a Bill on the subject this Session, and whether the Government mean to deal with the whole question of local dues? Another matter of importance was that of pilotage, as to which many ports laboured under great difficulties. There was another question, also, which he wished to ask relative to the abolition of the duties on timber, on which abortive pledges had been given. Did the Government mean to bring in this Session any Bill on the subject of passing tolls, and also for the regulation of the appointment of pilots?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, that the subject of passing tolls was one which was in the hands of his right hon. Friend the Vice President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lowe). The hon. Member for Sunderland not having given notice of his question, his right hon. Friend was not in his place to reply to it, but he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) might observe that the state of public business was such as to render it improbable that any measure upon the subject would be speedily introduced.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ House at its rising to adjourn till Thursday next.