stoutly maintained by the Protectionists that the suspension must be limited to the period fixed in the Bill. The Free-traders, however, on the other hand, could not see the necessity of any limitation, and, though the Ministry did not feel strong enough to undertake the task of a total abolition of the Navigation Laws, one of its principal supporters gave notice that, on an early day, he would formally call the attention of Parliament to this important subject.
Mr. Ricardo's motion, February 1847. Accordingly, on the 9th February, 1847, Mr. John Lewis Ricardo brought forward his motion,[1] "That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the operation and policy of the Navigation Laws." Intense interest was excited among shipowners; the fact of Mr. Ricardo proposing the motion was deemed highly ominous, as he was known to hold very advanced opinions on Free-trade, and to be prepared
- ↑ It seems worth while to give here in a note the dates of the several steps taken in the repeal of the Navigation Laws, with the references to Hansard, where the several speeches can be consulted:— 1. Committee moved for by Mr. Ricardo, February 9, 1847. (Hansard, lxxxix. p. 1007.) Carried by 155 to 94. Committee appointed February 16. 2. Lord John Russell proposes to suspend Navigation Laws with reference to the importation of corn, June 14. (Ibid., xciii. p. 472.) 3. Discussion on Navigation Bill, July 2. (Ibid., p. 1138.) 4. Motion of the Earl of Hardwicke for a Committee, February 25, 1848. (Ibid., xcvi. p. 1313.) 5. Committee of whole House on Navigation Bill, May 15, 1848. (Ibid., xcviii. p. 988.) 6. Motion of Mr. Herries in reply to Mr. Labouchere, May 29, 1848. (Ibid., xcix. p. 9.) 7. After five nights' debate Mr. Labouchere's motion is carried by 299 to 177, June 9, 1848. (Ibid., p. 664.) 8. Mr. Labouchere moves resolution for Navigation Bill, February 14, 1849 (Ibid., cii. p. 682), which is agreed to (Ibid., p. 741). The Bill is read a first time, February 16. (Ibid., p. 759.) 9. Second reading, March 9, 1849 (Ibid., cii. p. 464), which is carried, March 12, by 266 to 210. (Ibid., p. 625.) 10. Third reading, April 23 (Ibid., civ. p. 622), and Bill carried by 275 to 214 (Ibid., p. 702). 11. Bill introduced into the House of Lords, May 7. (Ibid., p. 1316.) Carried May 9, by 173 to 163. (Ibid., cv. p. 83.)
