20 Decr 1801

Maximum

Mode

Execution

1

As to the mode of accomplishment – it might be affected either by a fresh law

under the powers given by an already existing Act, as by a fresh law: in either

case the maximum price might be fixed either by the general authority for the

whole island or the whole of South Britain or the whole Island or the whole of

the United Kingdom; or by local authorities such as the Magistrates in and for

each County in Sessions: and in this latter case, either within limits fixed by

the general authority, or without any such restraining limits.

In effect and substance, these options lie equally /as/ open supposing the

existing Act to be taken for the ground of operation, under that Act as under

any fresh Act: the difference would be only[?] in mode and form. The authority

would require the signatures of the great Officers of State mentioned in the

Act, but there is nothing to hinder them from sending the matter to the local

authority to report upon, and acting, so far as should seem proper on the

foundation of such reports.

The objection, and though perhaps the only one against the acting under the

existing Statute without a fresh authority, in that /inasmuch as/ under the

existing Act there is no maximum price already fixed and known, the growers and

vendors of corn would remain /be kept/ in a state of uncertainty, inconsistent

with the security due to their respective trades. A man would not have it in his

power to know what would be the price set in the first instance; nor supposing

such first price

set