LORD BROUGHAMwished to ask his noble Friend the President of the Board of Trade a question upon a subject of great importance. He understood from the Votes of the other House of Parliament, that notice had been given by the First Minister of the Crown of his intention to introduce a short Bill for the continuance of the present Sugar Duties for a limited period. There could, of course, be no objection to this proceeding. But what he objected to was this—that there should be any delay in bringing in a measure that would effect the final arrangements of these duties. He hoped that Her Majesty's Government would obtain good security while passing this temporary Bill through the House, that no unnecessary delay would be thrown in the way of the greater measure so as to keep it back for a late period. If the final measure were delayed so late as the 12th August, he was afraid that other questions than that of sugar would be engaging their Lordships' attention. He thought it ought to be understood that there would be no loss of time in bringing on this measure, so that it might even be 1116 proceeded with while they were passing the temporary Bill.
§ The EARL of CLARENDONreplied that it was absolutely necessary to propose a measure for the continuance of the present Sugar Duties for a short time, for the present Act would expire on Saturday fortnight. There would be ample time for the discussion of the other measure, and he could assure his noble Friend that not one single day's delay should arise in passing it.