Sitting of 14 August 1807

Preamble
A little before four o'clock the deputy

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usher of the black rod summoned the house to the house of peers, to hear the commission read. On their return, the Speaker called the members round the table, and having read to them the Speech delivered.

MILITIA TRANSFER BILL.
The following will be found a more correct report of the Speech of Lord Sidmouth on the 12th of August, than the one inserted at page 1181.
Lord Sidmouthsaid, there were a few points to which he was desirous of adverting previous to their lordships' final decision upon this bill. It had been acknowledged on a former day by the noble secretary of state (lord Hawkesbury), that his majesty's ministers, after having determined upon the expediency of augmenting our military force, had balanced between the present measure, and the renewal of the Army of Reserve. He had himself made such a comparison, but, for reasons which he had before stated, he had come to a different conclusion. He indeed recollected, and with great satisfaction, that all the members of his majesty's present government, whether in, or out of office, in the years 1803 and 1804, had supported the measure which he now preferred: and in the spring of 1804, when, in consequence of the high rate of bounties occasioned by the number of men (195,000, exclusive of volunteers) raised within 13 months, he proposed only a suspension of this measure, that proposition was resisted by a large minority of the house of commons, and particularly by a right hon. gent. now unhappily no more (Mr. Pitt), who declared that he should recommend the compulsory principle of that bill as the basis of a plan for the increase of our domestic force, and for the permanent supply of the army. This intention was indeed afterwards abandoned, under circumstances, into which, for reasons which, he trusted, were obvious, he did not now wish to enter. But even after this change of intention, the army of reserve was highly and continually applauded, and he was convinced that if the life of the distinguished person to whom he had alluded had been spared, that he would himself have recommended it to the adoption of parliament.—But the noble baron (lord Hawkesbury) had stated, that the chief objection to the renewal of this measure, was founded upon the remission of the
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by the lords commissioners, the members separated.—Thus ended the first session of the fourth parliament of the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
fines in those places, where the required quota of men for the army of reserve had not been raised. This, he begged leave to say, was not accurate either in reasoning, or in statement. If such an example was injurious in its tendency, which he acknowledged it to be, however unavoidable in the particular case, the argument was as strong against a ballot for the militia, as for the army of reserve; as the remission of the fines afforded the same encouragement to neglect in one case, as in the other. But, in fact, the observation did not fairly apply to the army of reserve at all. It was true that under the act by which that force was to be constituted, penalties were to be levied where the number of men required to be raised by ballot, had not been procured; but by Mr. Pitt's Additional Force bill those penalties were transferred to a failure in procuring a number of men (equal to the deficiencies in the army of reserve), not by ballot, as under the Army of Reserve bill, but by voluntary recruiting, through the agency of parish officers for a limited bounty; and it was one of the numerous objections to that measure, that it inflicted punishment in cases where there might have been no neglect. This injustice had been illustrated at the time, by comparing it to that of directing a person, when wheat was 7s. 6d. per bushel, to purchase that quantity for 5s., and to fine him if he could not procure it at such a price. And what in fact had been the operation of that bill? Of the intended and expected number a small part only had been raised, and of that part not a moiety by the means required by the bill, notwithstanding the official exhortations of the noble baron (lord H.), which had the obvious and recorded effect of checking the ordinary recruiting service, for the purpose of giving ostensible success to this favoured measure. It failed however in all respects; and it would have been the height of injustice to levy penalties where there had been no misconduct, and where the fault was not in the agents but in the measure itself. The remission of the fines must therefore be admitted to afford a striking comment on

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the inefficacy and injustice of the Additional Force bill, but no argument whatever against the renewal of the army of reserve. But the noble lord had laid great stress on the advantages which would arise from the possession of a large body of militia upon the restoration of peace; as in that event all who had served 5 years would be disbanded. This, however, has a contingent benefit: if the war continued 5 years longer, it would not occur; and the reasoning, upon which it was founded, went the length of asserting, that such a measure as the present, with all the inconveniences attending it, ought always to be resorted to, when hostilities had been of four or
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five years continuance; and that the country would be made weaker for a time during war, for the chance of being rendered somewhat stronger, than it would otherwise be, on the restoration of peace. This argument, however, appeared to him to be a feeble attempt to support an exceptionable measure, the execution of which, even if successful, would, by disturbing and unsettling the militia, impair, in the first instance, our actual means of defence, and afterwards afford an augmentation ill suited and inadequate to the present exigency, and to the perilous situation of the country.

LIST OF PUBLIC ACTS,
Passed in the First Session of the Fourth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and in the 47th Year of the Reign of his present Majesty, George III.

AN act to continue, until the 5th day oft July 1808, several acts for granting certain Rates and Duties, and for allowing certain Drawbacks and Bounties on Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, imported into, and exported from Ireland.

An act to revive and continue, until the expiration of six weeks after the commencement of the next session of parliament, three acts, passed in the 37th, 45th, and 46th years of his majesty's reign, for carrying into execution the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, between his majesty and the united states of America.

An act to indemnify persons who have advised or acted under an order of council for making Regulations with respect to the Navigation and Commerce between his majesty's Subjects and the Subjects of the united states of America.

An act to enable his majesty to grant a certain Annuity to major-general sir John Stuart, &c.

An act for empowering the Commissioners of Kilmainham Hospital to make Rules and Regulations for the Payment of Pensions to Soldiers on the establishment of that hospital.

An act for raising the sum of 3,000,000 l. by Loans or Exchequer Bills, for the service of Great Britain for the year 1807.

An act for raising the sum of 1,500,000 l. by Loans or Exchequer Bills, for the service of Great Britain for the year 1807.

An act concerning Common Reco-
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veries suffered in Copyhold or Customary Courts by Attorney.

An act for granting to his majesty a Sum of Money to be raised by Lotteries.

An act for eucouraging the Export of Salted Beef and Pork from Ireland.

An act to provide for the Recovery of Penalties under certain acts, made in the 47th year of his present majesty, for securing the Rates and Duties in Ireland in respect of Dwelling House, &c.

An act to make further regulations with respect to Licences for the Sale of Spirituous and other Liquors by Retail in Ireland.

An act to suppress Insurrections, and prevent the Disturbance of the Public Peace in Ireland.

An act to repeal certain Duties of Excise, and also certain Stamp Duties in Ireland, and to grant certain new Stamp Duties in lieu thereof; and to amend the Laws relating to the Stamp Duties in Ireland.

An act to provide for the regulating and securing the Collection of the Duty on Gold and Silver Plate, wrought or manufactured in Ireland.

An act to grant to his majesty, until the 5th day of July 1808, certain duties on the Importation, and to allow Drawbacks on the Exportation of certain Goods, Wares, and Merchandize, into and from Ireland.

An act to amend an act made in the 46th year of his present majesty, for the regulating and securing the Collection of the Duties on Spirits distilled in Ireland.

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An act to provide for the Decrease and Suspension, in certain cases, of part of the countervailing Duties on British Refined Sugar imported into Ireland.

An act to continue until the 29th day of September 1808, and to amend two acts, made in the parliament of Ireland, to regulate the trade of Rectifying Spirits.

An act to enable his majesty to appoint the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for the time being it Ireland, one of the commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Treasurer in England, without salary.

An act to continue, until the 29th day of September 1817, an act, passed in Ireland in the 13th and 14th years of his present majesty, respecting certain Annuities.

An act to continue until the 29th day of September 1817, an act, passed in Ireland in the 36th year of his present majesty, for the Improvement and Extension of the Fisheries on the coasts of Ireland.

An act to amend an act, passed in the 43d year of his present majesty, for granting to his majesty the sum of 50,000 l. for building Glebe Houses in Ireland.

An act to explain and amend an act, passed in the 39th and 40th years of his present majesty, concerning the Disposition of certain Real and Personal Property of his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and also of the Real and Personal Property of her Majesty, and of the Queen Consort for the time being.

An act for the more convenient Payment of Half Pay, and Pensions, and other Allowances to Officers and Widows of Officers, and to persons upon the Compassionate List.

An act for defraying, until the 25th day of March 1808, the charge of the Pay and Clothing of the Militia of Ireland, &c.

An act to authorize his majesty to permit the Importation of Naval Stores from any place in ships belonging to States in amity with his majesty, and navigated in any manner whatever.

An act to enable the lords commissioners of his majesty's Treasury to issue Exchequer Bills, on the credit of such aids or supplies as have been or shall be granted by parliament for the service of Great Britain, for the year 1807.

An act for defraying the Charge of the Pay and Clothing of the Militia in Great Britain for the year 1807.

An act to amend several Laws of Excise in Great Britain, relating to the Duties on Salt, Soap, Paper, Coffee, Cocoa Nuts, Spirits, and Glass, and for restoring Seizures in certain cases.

An act to revive and continue, until
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the 25th day of March 1808, and amend so much of an act, made in the 39th and 40th years of his present majesty, as grants certain Allowances to Adjutants and Serjeant-Majors of the Militia of England, disembodied under an act of the same session of parliament.

An act for making Allowances in certain cases to Subaltern Officers of the Militia in Great Britain, while disembodied.

An act to continue until the 1st day of June 1808, an act of the 45th year of his present majesty, for appointing Commissioners to enquire into the Public Expenditure, and the Conduct of the Public Business in the Military Departments therein mentioned.

An act to make the port of Amsterdam, in the Island of Curagoa, a Free Port.

An act to indemnify such persons in the United Kingdom as have omitted to qualify themselves for Offices and Employments, &c.

An act to enable the Trustees of the British Museum to exchange, sell, or dispose of such parts of the Collections, and under such restrictions, as are therein specified.

An act to revive and continue, until the 25th day of March 1808, an act of the 46th year of his present majesty, for altering and amending several Laws relating to the Duties of Excise upon Malt.

An act for permitting, until the 25th day of March 1809, and from thence to the end of the then next session of parliament, the Importation of certain enumerated articles into the British Colonies on the Continent of North America, from the united states of America, and the Exportation of other enumerated articles from the same Colonies, to the said States.

An act for more effectually charging Public Accountants with Interest upon Balances; and for other purposes relating to the passing of Public Accounts.

An act to alter the Practice of Courts of Equity, in Suits in which Members of Parliament are Defendants.

An act to enable the East-India company to raise Money upon Bond instead of increasing their Capital Stock.

An act for more effectual Administration of the office of a Justice of the Peace in such parts of the counties of Middlesex and Surrey as lie in and near the Metropolis; and for the more effectual Prevention of Felonies.

An act to revive and continue, until the end of the next session of parliament, an act of the 46th year of his present majesty, for suspending Proceedings in Actions, and other Proceedings relating to the Woollen Manufacture.

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An act for transferring to his Majesty, certain possessions and rights vested in the Sierra Leone company, &c.

An act to enable his Majesty to grant to her majesty the Queen a capital messuage called Frogmore, &c.

An act to repeal certain provisions of an act, passed in the 46th year of his present majesty, for enquiring into the state of Windsor Forest, &c.

An act to grant certain duties on Callicoes, Muslins, Cotton Yarn, &c.

An act to continue until the 29th day of September 1808, several acts for the better collection and security of the Revenues of Customs and Excise in Ireland, and for preventing Frauds therein.

An act for allowing a Drawback on certain Linens exported from Great Britain to the West Indies.

An act to amend an act, made in the parliament of Ireland in the 5th year of his present majesty's reign, for erecting and establishing Public Infirmaries or Hospitals in Ireland.

An act to revive and continue, until the 25th day of March 1808, an act of the 39th year of his present majesty, for the more effectual Encouragement of the British Fisheries.

An act to repeal so much of an act of the list session of parliament, as relates to the Payment of Duty on Coffee and Cocoa Nuts when exported from the warehouse in which the same shall have been secured.

An act to enable his majesty's Postmaster-general to open and return Letters directed to Hamburgh or other places abroad, and which have been or shall have been returned or not sent.

An act to prevent improper persons from having Arms in Ireland.

An act for allowing a certain proportion of the Militia in Ireland, voluntarily to enlist into his majesty's Regular Forces.

An act for increasing the Militia of Ireland, under certain limitations and restrictions.

An act for allowing a certain proportion of the Militia in Great Britain voluntarily to enlist into his majesty's Regular Forces.

An act for encouraging the Exportation of Salt from Ireland.

An act to amend an act of the 46th year of his majesty, for the better Regulation of the office of Receiver-general of the Post-Office in England.

An act to give further time for purchasing the legal Quays and Warehouses, in the port of London.

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An act to repeal certain duties on Foreign Goods, Wares, and Merchandize exported from Great Britain to Ireland.

An act to suspend, until the 1st day of May 1808, the payment of all Drawbacks on Spirits made or distilled in Great Britain or Ireland, and exported from either country to the other respectively.

An act for repealing the Duties and Drawbacks payable on Silks, and for granting other Duties and another Drawback in lieu thereof.

An act to allow the Bounty now payable on British Callicoes and Cottons exported to Gibraltar to be paid on the same articles when exported to Malta.

An act to exempt Sales of West-India Produce, by the West-India Dock Company for payment of duties and charges, from the Auction Duty.

An act to make more effectual provision for the Prevention of Smuggling.

An act to permit, until the end of the next session of Parliament, the Importation of Swedish Herrings into Great Britain.

An act for the better Government of the Settlements of Fort St. George and Bombay; for the Regulation of Public Banks, &c.

An act for discharging from the Claims of the Crown certain Real and Personal Estates belonging to general De Lancey, late barrack-master-general, and vested in Trustees for Sale.

An act for maintaining and preserving a Military Canal and Road, made from Shorncliff in the county of Kent, to Cliff End in the county of Sussex.

An act for the speedily completing the Militia of Great Britain, and increasing the same, under certain limitations and restrictions.

An act for raising the sum of 500,000 l. by Treasury Bills for the service of Ireland for the year 1807.

An act for enabling his majesty to raise the sum of 4,500,000 l. for the Service of Great Britain.

An act for more effectually securing the Payment of the Debts of Traders.

An act for suspending the operation of an act of the 36th year of his present majesty, for the further Support and Maintenance of Curates, &c.

An act for granting to his majesty a certain sum of money out of the Consolidated Fund of Great Britain, and for applying certain monies therein mentioned for the Service of the year 1807, and for further appropriating the Supplies granted in this session of parliament.

THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS' SPEECH
About a quarter before four, the archbishop of Canterbury, the lord chancellor, earl Camden, and lord Hawkesbury took their seats as his majesty's commissioners. Mr. Quarme, the deputy usher of the black rod, was sent to the commons, to require their attendance. Shortly afterwards the Speaker and a number of the members came to the bar, and the royal assent was given to several bills. After which,
The Lord Chancellorin his majesty's name, delivered the following Speech:—
My Lords and Gentlemen;
"We have it in command from his majesty to express the satisfaction with which he finds himself enabled to give you that recess which, after the great and diligent exertions you have made in the dispatch of public business, must at this advanced season of the year, be so peculiarly desirable.—His majesty has been graciously pleased to direct us to return you his thanks for the steady loyalty and attachment to his person and government, and the zealous devotion to the public service which have characterized all your deliberations, and most especially to thank you for the seasonable exertions which you have enabled him to make for the augmentation of the military force of his kingdom.
"Gentlemen of the House of Commons;
"His majesty has commanded us to return you his warmest thanks for the supplies which you have granted with so much cheerfulness for the current year; and when he considers the provision which you have made for those contingent and unforeseen services which the events of the war may render necessary, his majesty has the greatest satisfaction in recognizing the wisdom wherewith, in a time of extraordinary difficulties, you have anticipated
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the possible demands which those difficulties may occasion.
"My Lords, and Gentlemen;
"His majesty commands us to assure you, that he deeply deplores the unfortunate issue of the war upon the continent.—The immense extension of the power and influence of France, and the undisguised determination of the enemy to employ the means and resources of those countries which he possesses or controuls, for the purpose of effecting the ruin of his majesty's kingdom, undoubtedly present a formidable view of the difficulties and dangers which this country has to encounter.—But his majesty trusts, that the loyal and brave people over whom he reigns are not to be daunted or disheartened,—From the recollection of those difficulties under which his people have successfully struggled, and of those dangers which they have happily surmounted, his majesty derives the consolation of believing, that the same spirit and perseverance which have hitherto remained unbroken will continue to be exerted with unabated vigour and success.—And while his majesty commands us to repeat the assurances of his constant readiness to entertain any proposals which may lead to a secure and honourable peace, he commands us at the same time to express his confidence that his parliament and his people will feel with him, the necessity of persevering in those vigorous efforts which alone can give the character of honour to any negotiations, or the prospect of security or permanency to any peace; his majesty, therefore, trusts that his parliament and his people will always be ready to support him in every measure which may be necessary to defeat the designs of his enemies against the independence of his majesty's dominions, and to maintain against any undue pretensions, and against any hostile confederacy, those just rights which his majesty is always desirous to exercise with temper and moderation, but which, as essential to the honour of his crown, and true interests of his people, he is determined never to surrender."—A commission for proroguing parliament to Thursday, the 24th of September, was then read. After which, the lord Chancellor, declared the parliament to be prorogned to Thursday, the 24th of September next, to be then there holden.