The Earl of Rosslynpresented a petition from Dysart against the equalization of the coal duties. He observed, that great apprehension had been excited throughout the country by the proceedings which had taken place for the purpose of altering the present system of coal-duties, and levying a tax at the pits. He hoped, therefore, that the noble lord opposite would explain what were the views of ministers on the subject.
The Earl of Liverpoolsaid, that Whatever apprehension might have arisen on the subject, no proposition of the kind alluded to had received any countenance from his majesty's government. More than twelve months ago an association had been formed in the metropolis, with the view of obtaining an equalization of the duties on coals. A committee from that association had waited on him and his right hon. friend the chancellor of the exchequer, and stated the nature of their object. His right hon. friend had concurred with him in declining to give any opinion until those who were interested in opposing the proposed measure should, be heard. On hearing the other parties be and his right hon. friend had intimated 993 that his majesty's government would give no support to any proposition for altering the coal-duties, or encourage any inquiry or proceeding on the subject. Of course, they did not give a pledge that they would not, under any circumstances which might arise, agree to an alteration in the system of taxation.
Earl Fitzwilliampresented a petition against any alteration in the coal-duties, signed by a great number of the merchants; manufacturers, canal share holders, &c. of Sheffield and its neighbourhood.
The Earl of Liverpoolobserved, that it was impossible for him to say, whether or not any proposition on the subject would be made in another place, what degree of encouragement might there be given to it, or whether it was likely to come in any shape before their lordships. He could, however, assure the House, that any proposition for the equalization of the duties on coal would meet with the decided opposition of those connected with the administration of his majesty's government.
The Earl of Lauderdalesaid, that the equalization called for would be one of the most injurious and unjust acts that could be committed. In the state in which this country was placed, their lordships would not attempt to legislate on the view of right and wrong, abstractedly considered; the application of the abstract, principles of justice would be the greatest injustice. They could not now act as they might do, if capital had not been sunk in manufactures and extensive works of various kinds in the districts, on which the proposed regulation would impose a new and burthensome tax. The present state of society in this country was so extremely artificial, that the greatest caution was necessary on subjects of this kind. He hoped that the declaration which had been made by the noble secretary of state would set Sheffield and other manufacturing towns at ease on this question. The people in these places had embarked their capital in undertakings on the faith of the continuance of the present system, with respect to the duties on fuel, which their manufactories required, and nothing could be more ruinous and unjust than to subject them to a tax on that necessary element.
§ Ordered to lie on the table.