The Sun.
London, England, 1848-07-20 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF COJIMONS, July 19.
SUGAR DU TIES.
The CHANCELLOR► of the EXCHEQUER (in con-
tinuation of our Afternoon Edition yesterday) said—lt
was right that he should state that he intended to alter
the words in the first clause, in order to render its
meaning more clear.
Mr. CARDWELL said that much doubt prevailed in
the City as to the exact intentions of the Government;
It was believed by some that the duty on foreign sugar
would be 15s. 9d., whereas it was the intention of the
Government to charge but 135., giving the foreign re-
finer a great. advantage over his British competi-
tor. lie did not gather from the Chancellor of the
Exchequer that the differences of opinion upon the sub-
ject was on that foundation. It was most important that
the City should bo placed in possession of the in-
tentions of the Government on the subject. It was un-
reasonable to ask the great interests involved to wait
until the Committee.—([fear, hear.)
Mr. HUDSON said the City had a right to ask the
intentions of the Government.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
there was not the slightest doubt that there was a mis-
take in the beginning of the first clause. Sugar net
refined in this country, or its dependencies, could not be
introduced into the colonies. He stated, on Satur-
day, the state of the law upon that subject, and
as he was in communication with competent partis
on the matter, and had been so for the last two days, it
would be very inconvenient to reply to the questions
now.
Lord G. BENTINCK inquired when the treaty with
Holland was signed. On the 30th of May, the Noble Lord
stated that he had no intention to alter the Act of 1846.
This seemed strange, since the proscription with respect
to the refined sugar of Holland existed in July.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUERsaid the
refined sugar of Holland was admissible by the treaty
of 1847, on the principle extended to the most favoured
nations.
Lord G. BENTINCK read the clause in that Act,
and said he differed with the Right lion. Gentleman
as to his construction of the treaty.
Mr. WILSON entered into an explanation of the
treaty, and said the Noble Lord's interpretation of the
Act was perfectly correct.
THE SALE OF BREAD.
Mr. BANKES explained, with respect to this Bill,
that in consequence of what had been said, he should
move for a Select Committee on the Ist of August. lie
wished to get the House to affirm the principle of the
Bill. He did not anticipate that the Committee could
proceed to any extent with its labours this session. He
should not proceed with the Bill in the present session.
TREASURY PAPERS.

In reply to Sir H. WILLOUGHBY,
Mr. LABOUCHERE stated that arrangements bad
recently been made by which all parties could simulta-
neously obtain information usually obtainable from Trea-
sury papers. A list was formerly kept of the parties
who might obtain papers, but now the papers would be
issued on the principle of the Parliamentary papers, and
would be equally accessible.
CORN DUTIES.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated,
in reply to Lord G. Bentinck, that he should have no
objection to produce the papers on which he based his
calculations, if the Noble Lord thought proper to move
for them.

THE ESTIMATES.
Mr. HUDSON inquired when the estimates for the
year would be laid on the table.
Lord J. RUSSELL proposed to proceed on Friday
with the army and navy estimates.
Mr. lIUDON—Not on account—actual liabilities ?
Lord J. RUSSELL replied that votes would be
taken for defraying actual liabilities.
Lord G. BEN'TINCK inquired when the real budgets
would be laid on the table ?—(Laughter.)
Lord J. RUSSELL said with as little delay as possible.
When the army and navy, ordnance and miscellaneous
estimates were agreed to, and the Government were en-
abled to compare the actual expenditure with the re-
venue, his Right Hon. Friend would state to the House
the ieformatien required.
Mr. HUDSON trusted that the Right Hon. Baronet
in doing so would recapitulate the former budget.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER—I will
do all I can to please the Hon. Gentleman.—(Laughter.)
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHARITABLE
TRUSTS BILL.
Mr. ANSTEY withdrew this Bill till the next session,
which was agreed tn.
THE CATHOLIC RELIEF BILL.
Sir R. 11. INGLIS said he was the last man in the
House who could aik any favour of the Hon. Gentleman
who had charge of this Bill (Mr. Anstey); but, looking
at the period of the session, at the impossibility of its
passing this session, and at the great time that had been
devoted to it, he thought the Hon. Gentleman would do
well in also withdrawing this Bill.
Mr. SPOONER joined in the appeal.
Sir G. GREY explained that the Hon. and Learned
Gentleman was not responsible for the time that had
been taken up by this Bill, as he had had to contend
with much opposition upon matters of detail, as there,
was not much difference of opinion on its ge-
neral principles. At this late period of the
session he could not expect to proceed much further with
it ; and therefore, on that ground, he joined with them
in thinking that he would do well to withdraw the Bill.
Mr. GOULBURN complained that much valuable
time had been wasted on this Bill, and considered that
the Hon. and Learned Gentleman should bow to the ex-
pressed wish of the House.
Mr. STAFFORD urged the Hon. and Learned Gen-
tleman to do so, as he had had a fair share of the time
and attention of the House.
Mr. ANSTEY did not wish to oppose the will of the
House, but •he felt bound to proceed with the Bill. He
complained that the Government in and out of office had
paltered with the Roman Catholics, with the Noncon-
formists, and with other religious bodies, playing at one
time upon one body, and at others on another, as it
suited their electioneering and other purposes. He had
little faith in their promises, and should proceed with his
Bill. He therefore begged to move that the order of the
day be read. -
Lord J. RUSSELL said he had always voted for the
removal of religious disabilities.
After a few words from the Earl of Arundel and Sur-
rey. Mr. Newdegate. and Mr. Anstey,
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL, although he was in
favour of the Bill, and had at great personal inconve-
nience attended Wednesday atter Wednesday to give it
his support, thought at the present period of the session
it would bo better to postpone the measure.
Mr. LAW then proposed, as an amendment, that the
House should go into Committee on the Bill that day
three months.
Mr. C. ANSTEY felt bound to make a few observa-
tions to the House, in consequence of the insinuations
of the Attorney-General. Re had stated that he (Mr.
Anstey) had been influenced in bringing forward the
Bill by a desire to bring himself into notice. That in-
sinuation he denied, and in proof of it begged to state
that before he had a seat in that House he was instru-
mental in introducing Lord Beaumont's Act and Lord
Lyndhurst's; Act, and the present was the last instalment
of what he wished to secure to the Roman Catholics.
After a few words from the Attorney-General in ex.
planation, and some observations from Mr. Urquhart,
Mr. C. Anstey, and Mr. Sharman Crawford,
Mr. P. 110 ATARD trusted that the Hon. Member for
Youghal would withdraw the Bill rather than encounter
an adverse division.
Strangers were then ordered to withdraw, and the
House divided, when there appeared--
For going into Committee 4O
Against it
Majority against going into Committee —47
The Bill was consequently lost.
APPEALS IN CRIMINAL CASES.
The second reading of this Bill was postponed.
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS BILL.
Oa the motion for the reading of the order of the day
for receiving the report on the Parliamentary Elections
Bill,
Lord GALWAY moved as an amendment that the
report be received that day six months.
After some observations from Sir B. Hall, 11
Frowen, Mr. 4).Tewilee•ate, and Sir De Lacy.
—Evans,
The House divided, when there appeared..
66
For receiving the report ••• •
62
Against it ... ..• ••• ••..
Majority against it •••
The report was accordingly agreed to, and the Bil:
ordered to he engrossed.
The other orders of the day were postponed with the
exception of the
CONSOLIDATED FUND BILL,
The report of which was brought up and agreed
The Highland Roads and Bridge Bill went through
Committee.—Report to-morrow.
RUM DUTES.
Mr. BERNAL brought up the resolutions of the Com-
mittee on the rum duties, which were agreed to, and
leave given to bring in a Bill.
SALE OF BEER BILL.
On the order of the day for the second reading of
this Bill being moved,
Captain PECIIELL said he should oppose the motion.
This was a dropped order, and many Hon. Gentlemen
who were opposed to the measure did not anticipate that
it would come on to-day.
Mr. TATTON EGERTON said this was a most im-
portant Bill, and one which was generally approved of
out of doors. The object was to compel the closing
of beer-shops at a certain hour on Saturday night, and
he thought, as it was calculated to promote morality
amongst the poorer classes of society, the House ought
not to object to the second reading at this late period of
the. session. The Hon. and Gallant Member opposite
said this measure was opposed by the licensed victu-
allers, but he could assure the House that instead of be-
ing opposed, it was supported by the licensed victu-
allers as a body.
Mr. JACKSON said he shoull be wanting in his duty
if he did not support the second reading of the Bill, for
in the immediate district from which he came scenes of
dissipation and immorality were constantly occurring
from the want of a law of this nature.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he was prepared
to support the second reading of the B
reserve to himself the righy, of opposing some o ill, but
he must
f its pro-
visions in CornuajPee•
Mr. J. R. SMITH supported the Bill.
Mr. THORNELY did not think it advisable that the
provisions of this Bill shouldlae extended to every vil-
p
la or road-side ,publiciionSe, but it might be desirable
4
t° apply ~,.t.V.lfirge towns, and he was therefore not
avers' io to seem l reading of the Bill.
Mr. TATTON EGERTON could assure the Hon.
Member opposite that the necessity for a law of this
sort prevailed just as much in rural districts as in large
towns.

Sir BENJAMIN HALL said, if the provisions of
the Bill were. modified in Committee Le should have no
objet ;ion to it 3 passing.