41 



APPENDIX D. (P. 25.) 



The proposal, which has for its object the relief of the 

 productions and goods annually consumed in the United 

 Kingdom, from an aggregate of cos^ equal, probably, to two 

 hundred millions and upwards, cannot fail, from its magni- 

 tude, to be received with apprehension of an inconvenient 

 and dangerous disturbance of the state and condition of 

 property, and of society. 



It may, however, with great case be shown, that the 

 alteration, with only slight exception, might be effected 

 ill a manner not only free from such consequences, but 

 with the assurance of consequences inimediateli/, ^nA gene- 

 rally as well as progressively , beneficial. 



The object contemplated, is the cessation of the demand 

 of upwards of forty millions annually, chiefly duties of Ex- 

 cise and Customs. 



The immediate effect of the repeal of the duties of 

 Excise, or joint duties of Excise and Customs, would be be- 

 neficial to the dealer, because the duty on the stock on hand, 

 which he might have paid to the Exchequer, would be re- 

 turned to him ; and to the public would be beneficial, 

 because all future supplies of such descriptions of stock 

 or goods would be obtained at proportionally less cost. 



'J'hc repeal of duties of Customs, simply, would require 

 more attentive consideration ; but would admit of bcinjr 

 accommodated to the convenience of the dealers in the seve- 

 ral articles subject to such duties, who would have little 

 difficulty in meeting any well considered proposal for the 

 permanent relief of their respective trades, and of the 

 community.' With regard Ui the immediate effect of the 



' The Excise Board has .u\ atcouiil of llic slock of goods in the 



