§ MR. R. N. FOWLERasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, in view of the serious depression of the silver trade, owing to the uncertainty prevailing in the minds of manufacturers and dealers respecting the duties upon gold and silver plate, and, seeing the various objections to the grant of a drawback upon existing stocks, and, seeing that no drawback has been allowed in the case of holders of duty-paid stocks of cotton and other European goods in India, who have had to sacrifice very largely under the recent Budget, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to adhere to their determination not to abolish the duties in the present Session of Parliament?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GLADSTONE)Sir, there is a good deal in the suggestion evidently meant to be conveyed by this Question; but I believe, as far as my knowledge and means of forming a judgment goes, that the mode indicated by the hon. Gentleman is the only mode out of the embarrassment attending this subject. But, considering the time of the year, and that nearly two months have elapsed since the financial plans of the Government were announced, I do not think anything but the prevalence of a general wish will justify Her Majesty's Government in making a proposal on the subject at the present time.