Lords Sitting of 21 January 1807

SLAVE TRADE ABOLITION BILL.
Lord Grenville said, that finding it would better suit the convenience of many noble lords to have the discussion on the bill for abolishing the Slave Trade postponed, he rose for the purpose of moving to defer the second reading of the bill till Monday

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se'nnight. He confessed it was with great reluctance that he consented to postpone a measure of such great importance, and which demanded an early discussion. It was, however, of importance, that the consideration of this measure should be so fixed as to enable as many of the noble lords as possible to attend the discussion, and therefore he moved, to defer the second reading till Monday se'nnight.
The Earl of Westmorelandrose to thank the noble lord for the proposed delay. He was, however, of opinion, that the extended time now proposed, was no more than sufficient to allow the bill to be properly known and considered throughout the country. The noble lord then moved for an address to his majesty, praying that there might be laid before the house copies or extracts of any correspondence between his majesty's principal secretary of state, and the governors of the colonies, respecting the amelioration of the condition of the slaves, and the effect of the abolition of the trade in slaves in the colonies. Information on these points had not, he observed, been laid before that house for several years, and he thought it of importance that they should be put in possession of information upon these subjects, previous to the discussion upon the bill for abolishing the slave trade.
Lord Grenvillesaid he had no objection to the motion, although he doubted whether the production of these papers would afford so many proofs of zeal in the colonies, with respect to the objects comprised in the motion, as the noble lord seemed to expect.—The motion was agreed to.