The Duke of Roxburghesaid, he was prevented from making a few observations on the first evening of the Session by his desire not to introduce any topic which might interfere with the unanimity which prevailed on that occasion. He had then intended to put a question to the Government with regard to their intentions on a subject which, although not distinctly mentioned, was yet alluded to by the noble Earl who moved the 269 Address—he meant the subject of the Corn-laws. As, however, on the same evening a declaration was made in the other House of Parliament to the effect that it was not the intention of the Government to make any alteration in those laws, he now merely rose for the purpose of stating the sincere gratification he felt, in common with many of their Lordships, at that announcement. He felt satisfied that it would tend to remove much of that state of doubt and uncertainty which had prevailed so long, and had weighed down an interest already sorely depressed and well nigh ruined, and that it would restore confidence to the agriculturists and enable them to resist the attacks so unscrupulously and unjustly made against them when they saw the Government stand forward so nobly as it had done in defence of their rights. He was satisfied it would gain for them the support of the agriculturists of this country; and, for his own part, he begged to express his thanks to Her Majesty's Government for the announcement they had made.