HC Deb 14 July 1853 vol 129 cc238-9

Order for Committee read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."

MR. APSLEY PELLATT

said, that some statement ought to be made to the House as to the probable cost of the works, and the parties under whose superintendence they were to be executed.

SIR WILLIAM MOLES WORTH

said, this was a continuance of a scheme which had been several years in contemplation, and it was to be conducted under the direction of the Board of Works.

MR. LOCKE

said, the House had not been put into possession of a single estimate as to the probable cost, or as to any points of detail. The same remark applied to other public works, and particularly to Westminster-bridge. When private works were brought before Parliament, the promoters were required to produce estimates of the cost, and he did not see why a similar course should not be taken with reference to Bills of this description. He thought it was incumbent on the House to press for the estimate before they consented to vote away the public money. He should, therefore, move that the Committee be postponed for three months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out from the word "That" to the end of the Question, in order to add the words "this House will, upon this day three months, resolve itself into the said Committee," instead thereof.

Question proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question."

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Question again proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Committee deferred till Monday next.