§ SIR DE LACY EVANSSir, I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Commissioner of Works, whether it is his intention to proceed with the Bill which was prepared by the late Government for the reconstruction of 'Westminster Bridge; and, if not, what is intended to be done in respect to the ruinous and dangerous state of the present structure?
§ SIR WILLIAM MOLESWORTHSir, in reply to the question of my hon. and gallant Friend, I must admit with him that Westminster Bridge is in a very ruinous and almost dangerous state. The late Government came to the determination to pull down Westminster Bridge, and reconstruct another bridge on the site; and I have come to the conclusion that the decision of the late Government in that respect was a wise one. Considering the com- 203 merce of this great metropolis, it may be necessary at a future time to have two bridges across the river—one in the vicinity of Charing Cross, and the other in the vicinity of Lambeth, at the present site. We, therefore, intend to proceed with the Bill of the late Government, and I am preparing plans for that purpose. The bridge at Westminster should be one worthy of its position; it should be wide and low, and at right angles with the Houses of Parliament.