§ The Earl of Aberdeensaid, in reference to a subject of conversation in that House a few weeks back, he rose to move for some information connected with it—he alluded to the Wine Duties. It appeared to be admitted by Ministers that their anticipations, when they proposed the alterations last year, had not been realized. He had predicted that which had now turned out to be the fact. The Motion which he would submit would show the result of the alteration of the law, and he apprehended it would fully prove what he now asserted. The noble Earl then moved "That there be laid before this House an account of the quantity of Wine imported into Great Britain for the last five years, ending the 5th of January 1833, specifying the amount imported each year, distinguishing the country from whence imported; also an account of the amount of duties paid upon each description of Wine for the like period; also an account of the 1339 quantity of French, Cape, and other Wines in stock up to the 5th of January 1833."
§ Lord Aucklandsaid, he could have no possible objection to the Motion; on the contrary, he was very glad that it had been made. The result would show that the prediction of the noble Lord was not verified in the way he apprehended. He had a prediction to oppose to that of the noble Earl. When the measure was in agitation it was urged that, by altering the duties on Wines in the manner accomplished, a better feeling would arise in France, and this assertion had been fully borne out by the fact. He was very happy to bear this testimony upon the subject, that the alteration upon public feeling in France was most advantageous to the commerce of both countries.
§ The Earl of Aberdeensaid, in a financial point of view, he had regarded the measure as one which would not realise the anticipations of Ministers; but in a political point of view he must ever deprecate it, even were its financial advantages much greater than in reality they were; for they had been dearly purchased, having been obtained at the expense of national faith, and in opposition to existing treaties. When the Bill was in progress he had entered his protest against it, and that protest was recorded among the Journals of the House.
Lord Ellenboroughfelt great satisfaction that the returns had been asked for; and was persuaded that the result would show, that what had been predicted by his noble friend was perfectly accurate.
§ Motion agreed to.