§ MR. CRAWFORDrose to ask a question, of which he had given notice to the right hon. Chancellor of the Exchequer, and which was a matter of great interest to the whole commercial world—he alluded to the anticipated changes in the French tariff and in our commercial intercourse with the French nation. If there was any time more convenient than another at which these changes could be brought into operation it was at the present time; for the House was probably aware that the first week in February was the time when the buyers proceeded to lay in their stocks of French goods. The Question he wanted to put was, whether these changes in the tariff would accompany the financial statement which the right hon. Gentleman was about to make on Monday next, or in any other form? and whether these changes would take effect, as was usually the case, as soon as the Resolutions were passed by the Committee.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—As I intimated with a less degree of certainty upon a former occasion, I now beg to say, in answer to my hon. Friend, that it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that the financial siatement 269 for the year shall be made on Monday next. The ratification of the treaty of commerce with France, we have reason to believe, will be exchanged within the next few days. The House of Commons, we presume, would not wish to entertain the subjects which that treaty opens without likewise being made acquainted simultaneously with the whole proposals of the Government with regard to the financial year. On Monday next, therefore, it will be my duty to submit the whole proposals of the Government, including such as are related to the commercial treaty with France. I am well aware, as has been stated by the hon, Member, that this is a season of the year which is a critical one with respect to many branches of trade, and that it is of extreme importance that when the announcements are made the decision of the House should be taken at the earliest possible moment. It is, therefore, the desire of the Government, if they are permitted to do so by the House, to ask the House, after hearing the statement I shall make on Monday next, to proceed with the consideration of the subjects on the following Thursday; for, if we trusted only to that portion of Friday which by present practice of the House is left for purely public business, I am afraid the progress would be so slow as to be unsatisfactory to the British public. Of course, that is a matter upon which we shall be entirely in the hands of the House. I make the proposal now, in order that hon. Members may have an opportunity of considering its fairness; and if we find that its justice commends itself to other minds, as it does to ours, it will be necessary for me to move that Orders of the Day have precedence of Notices of Motion on Thursday week. With regard to the time when the projected changes will come into operation, I think I have stated as much as is within my duty to state. On Monday next it will be my duty and study fully and clearly to explain to the House the whole of the proposals of Her Majesty's Government.
§ MR. HORSMAN—Will copies of the treaty be in the hands of Members before the statement on Monday?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—It will not be practicable to present the treaty to the House before Monday next; but I do not think the treaty will be so complex as not to be possible to convey in a general outline the principal subjects upon which it touches. I beg it will be understood that the Committee of the Whole House will not be asked to vote upon any 270 subject of great importance—although there may be some minor matters which they may dispose of—without full notice and opportunity of consideration. I may add that it is my intention to propose a Committee of the Whole House on the Customs' Acts, that certain Resolutions maybe moved which these changes will render necessary.