§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
§ MR. CHILDERS (Edinburgh, S.)said, that the existing system of Wine Duties was introduced nearly 30 years ago, after the total abolition of ad valorem duties on all imports, and wine of a low value was taxed at the same amount as wine of a high value. The system of imposing ad valorem duties not only in regard to wine, but in reference to many other articles upon which duties 829 were levied, had fallen into utter disrepute, and he could not help thinking that it was not worth while to revert back to that system, and disturb the Wine Duties for the small amount of revenue which would be obtained. The change would result in a great interference with trade, and would give rise to much heartburning and dissatisfaction. It was, therefore, a matter of great regret that Parliament should be asked to return, even as to one article, to a system which had been unanimously got rid of a good many years ago. He regretted that he was not present when the debate in Committee took place, or he should have tried then to give practical effect to what he felt it his duty to say now; but the discussion was not brought on until half-past 12 o'clock, and he had been told that it would not be taken after midnight. He was sorry that this change had been proposed by his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who had always been regarded as a sound financier, especially on questions of trade and revenue.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read the third time, and passed.