§ The Earl of Malmesbury moved for Returns of the quantity of Home-made Spirits, as well as Rum, on which duty had been paid for the four years previous and subsequent to 30 the 5th of April, 1826. His object was to show what had been the effect of the measure of 1825, and the impolicy of the proposed augmentation of duty; and that if it were necessary to give a bonus to the West-Indian interests (whose depression he much regretted), it ought to be given upon some other article than rum. Why not help their sugar-market in preference? He had every desire to restrict Spirit-drinking, and increase the sale of beer; but he thought the duty should be either laid on rum at the same time with cornmade Spirits, or not exclusively imposed upon the latter. The agriculturists would be seriously affected if the new duty were persevered in, and the distillers would be ruined.
Lord Hollandsaid, that the West-Indian interests were severely depressed; but the noble Lord was in error when he supposed that the West-Indian proprietors had called for this new duty on corn Spirits, or indeed would benefit much from it.
The Earl of Malmesburywas glad to have this statement from the noble Lord, because, as these new duties were not called for by the owners of rum, they ought not to be imposed upon corn Spirits. In his opinion, the measure would not augment the Revenue.
§ The Returns ordered.