Lords Sitting of 17 April 1806

AMERICAN INTERCOURSE BILL.
Lord Aucklandin moving the order for the 2d reading of the bill upon this subject, briefly adverted to the circumstance of a noble friend of his, then absent, who would reserve his sentiments upon the subject for the committee. He would therefore move, "that the bill be now read a 2d time."
Lord Hawkesburydid not mean to oppose the motion, particularly as he understood from his noble friend, that it was intended to render the prospective part of the measure, or rather that which was thrown out on a former evening, as intended, by means of an additional clause, respecting the discretionary powers to be vested in the governors of the islands, the matter of a distinct and separate bill. Respecting this very important consideration, however, which involved topics of the greatest consequence to the commercial interests of the empire, he had it seriously to recommend it to the attention of ministers, that under the circumstances, it was preferable to postpone the discussion of that part of the subject till the next session. This proceeding would not only not operate injuriously, but not be productive of any inconvenience. His lordship pressed this point upon the serious consideration of ministers, and adverted to the importance of any topic which so deeply involved the commercial concerns of the country, and its navigation laws, as that to which he alluded.
Lord Aucklandshortly expressed his opinion, that his noble friend seemed to misconceive what had fallen from him.
Lord Hollandmade a few remarks on the
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occasion, and seemed to entertain a similar idea with his noble friend, respecting the misconception of the noble lord opposite. With the latter, he concurred that the subject adverted to was one of considerable importance, and that full and ample time ought to be allowed noble lords to investigate and to make up their minds upon the subject. However, he did not deem it necessary to postpone the consideration until the next session; for that, on Monday next, it was his intention to bring forward a bill to the effect alluded to, and for the consideration of which, previous to its second reading, he certainly meant to give full and sufficient time.—The bill was then read a 2nd time, and committed.