Hansard Xxx Col 175–205, 15 March 1815 House Of Lords Debate

Hansard Xxx Col 175 205 15 March 1815 House Of Lords Debate On

Hansard , XXX, col. , 15 March, 1815. House of Lords Debate on the Corn Bill. Earl of Liverpool : … He now came to the principle of the Bill, with respect to the policy of rendering ourselves as independent as possible of foreign supply, as he had already he thought stated there could be no doubt. It was not a question in this case as to the interests of the English landlord or the Irish landlord, nor did he profess to move the second reading of the Bill upon any such ground. The great object was the interest of the consumer; and this, he contended, would be effectually promoted by the present measure, the effect of which would be to render grain cheaper instead of dearer.

The important point to attain was a steady and moderate price. In ancient times, when the system of granaries, in order to give extraordinary cheapness to grain, could only be followed by one of dearness, unless measures were adopted to insure a regular domestic supply, and by this means a uniform, steady, and moderate price. The great object was to prevent that fluctuation in the price of the first necessary of life which was so injurious to the consumer. This had been the object of the measures of this nature that had been before resorted to; but there was now a most important consideration which had not then been entered into, he alluded to the supply from Ireland. Since the Act of 1806 for allowing free intercourse of grain with Ireland, it had become evident from the supply sent from thence here, that it was only necessary to permit capital to flow there, and that there was then no limit to the quantity which might be raised cheaper there than in England; but this circumstance, which formed the basis of an argument of a noble earl (Grey) on a former night, presented no objection to the present Bill.

The object was not the protection of the English or Irish landlord, but the general interests of the empire, the general interests of its agriculture, and the general interests of the great mass of consumers in the whole United Kingdom. Even if the consequence must be to lower the rents of the English landlords, and raise those of the Irish landlords, still he contended that this formed no argument whatever, in his view of the question, against the Bill, which embraced the whole interests of the empire…. It had been urged against this measure, that it would have an injurious effect upon this great metropolis, by greatly increasing the price of grain in London compared with the country districts.

The returns upon the table, however, proved that it was decidedly an error to suppose that the price in the London market was above that in the country, it being rendered evident, that for a series of years, except in a few instances, the price in the London market was actually lower than the average of the twelve maritime districts… He had thus gone through the principal arguments applicable to the question. He must, however, observe, that the agricultural labourer, who had not the same means of making his complaints known as the labourers of other classes, was fully entitled to their lordships attention, as the distress of that class of persons must be a serious evil to the country. It was with these views of the subject that he moved the second reading of the present Bill, convinced that a reasonable protection of the agriculture of the country was essentially necessary to the general welfare.

He did not mean in the least to undervalue our commerce or our manufactures; but when first put in competition with the immense resources to be derived from the certainty of a domestic supply of the first necessaries of life, they were comparatively trifling. To those who said that we might always obtain a supply from foreign nations, he need only remind them of the immense advantages of being enabled to rely upon our own resources… At the close of the American war, it was said that the sun of this country had set never to rise; but events had proved, that, relying upon our own resources, we had been enabled to carry on successfully a twenty years war, and to cover ourselves with glory and renown.

It was of the greatest importance that we should look at home for those resources which the country was so well able to furnish, and by extending the fostering hand of protection to render those resources available to all purposes of national greatness….

Paper For Above instruction

This document excerpt from the House of Lords debate on the Corn Bill on March 15, 1815, offers profound insights into the economic and political climate of early 19th-century Britain. The primary focus revolves around advocating for protectionist measures to bolster domestic grain production, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and stabilize prices, which directly impacted both the economy and the welfare of the populace, especially agricultural laborers. This analysis explores the historical context of post-Napoleonic Britain, evaluates the content and rhetoric used by Earl of Liverpool, and interprets the broader implications of such policy-making during this period.

The early 19th century marked a period of significant transformation for Britain, emerging from the Napoleonic Wars with a complex mix of military victories, economic challenges, and evolving political ideologies. The wartime economy had emphasized self-sufficiency, national resilience, and the protection of domestic industries, concepts rooted in mercantilist traditions. The debate encapsulated in the Hansard report reflects these priorities, emphasizing national interests over free trade principles gaining prominence in subsequent decades. The period was also characterized by social tensions, with a struggling agricultural sector and rising urbanization fueling demands for policies that protected rural livelihoods and stabilized food prices.

In this context, Earl of Liverpool champions a policy aimed at making Britain more self-reliant in food production, particularly grain. His advocacy for the Bill underscores the importance of maintaining steady, moderate prices for essential commodities, thereby protecting consumers from adverse fluctuations. Importantly, he dismisses the notion that the policy is designed to favor landlords at the expense of the nation’s broader interests. Instead, he frames the measure as a strategic move to secure the economy’s resilience by expanding domestic supply and reducing vulnerability to foreign disruptions. The historical significance lies in the tension between protectionism and free trade, a debate that would continue to shape economic policy for decades.

The rhetoric used by Liverpool highlights the importance of national resources, the dangers of over-reliance on imports, and the benefits of cultivating local industries and agriculture. His emphasis on “independent” supply and the abolition of dependence signals a shift towards economic nationalism. Furthermore, the mention of Ireland’s role illustrates a broader imperial strategy—integrating Irish resources into the United Kingdom’s economic system to enhance overall resilience. The debate also reflects underlying social concerns: the distress of agricultural laborers amidst fluctuating food prices, and the need for policies that support their welfare while balancing commercial interests.

Analyzing the language reveals a strategic framing of the protectionist agenda. Words such as “steady,” “moderate,” “security,” and “resources” evoke themes of stability and self-sufficiency, resonating with national pride and economic resilience. The rhetorical dismissal of landlords’ interests underscores the policy’s focus on consumer and national welfare rather than sectional or class benefits. Additionally, the emphasis on the successes post-American Revolution—such as Britain’s ability to sustain a twenty-year war—serves as a rhetorical device to champion self-reliance and resilience rooted in domestic resource development.

From a broader perspective, this debate exemplifies the early stages of Britain’s transition from mercantilist protectionism towards a more liberal economic ideology, although protectionist sentiments still held significant sway. It also reflects a response to the economic instability faced after the Napoleonic Wars, with government intervention seen as vital for safeguarding economic stability and social order. The policy discourse embodied in this speech illustrates how economic priorities—such as trade, industry, and agriculture—intersected with imperial ambitions and social welfare concerns.

In conclusion, the Hansard debate on the Corn Bill from 1815 encapsulates a pivotal moment in British economic history, where the government prioritized domestic resource development and economic self-sufficiency. The speech by Earl of Liverpool not only advocates for protectionist agriculture policies but also reveals the ideological underpinnings of national resilience, social stability, and imperial integration. Analyzing such a primary document illuminates how policymakers responded to contemporary economic challenges with rhetoric rooted in nationalism, pragmatism, and strategic planning—dynamics that remain influential in understanding economic policy development.

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