§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ SIR JOHN OGILVY, in rising to move the second reading of this Bill, the object of which was to enable districts in Scotland to raise contributions by means of a new assessment for the construction of roads, and to provide for their management, said, it had been prepared in accordance with a general desire expressed by Members from Scotland. Its principle had been generally approved in Scotland, but some suggestions had been made for its Amendment, which he should be willing to consider in Committee.
MR. HOPE JOHNSTONEdid not object to the principle of the Bill, but thought that some modifications of its provisions must be made, especially with regard to the assessments for repairs of roads. He was glad to find that the Bill was permissive only; but he would suggest that a permissive power should be given to trustees of districts, if they should see fit, to vary the proportion of assessment to be levied upon the owners, limiting that proportion to a sum not exceeding one-half of the whole amount to be levied. This would practically leave it to the landowners to assess themselves for more extensive works than the mere ordinary repair of roads.
§ MR. BLACKBURNassented to the principle of this Bill, but said he thought the details would require very careful consideration in Committee. The Bill would cast a burden upon property which before had not been liable to assessment, such as railways and minerals. He did not say that railways ought not to contribute; but it would have to be considered upon what proportion of their value they should be assessed. He doubted the propriety of making the Bill permissive only, as he thought the law should be the same all over Scotland.
§ SIR ANDREW AGNEWsupported the Bill, which he thought would be very beneficial, and thought the House were much indebted to the exertions of his hon. Friend (Sir John Ogilvy).
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONsaid, that having been a Member of the Royal Commission which considered this subject, he 1666 hoped that hon. Members who desired that the Bill should be made compulsory, would remember the difficulties which were found to prevent the passing of a more comprehensive measure some years ago. The Commissioners were of opinion, that whatever might be the change in the mode of raising the money for the improvement of the turnpike roads in Scotland, that improvement should not be delayed. It was desirable now to take one step towards the general improvement of the roads of Scotland, which the Royal Commission wished to bring about.
§ SIR EDWARD COLEBROOKEsaid, he also objected to the Bill being made a compulsory measure, as he thought the best course was to proceed cautiously at first.
§ MR. DALGLISHgave notice that at a future stage he should propose a clause in favour of gas and water companies, and also a clause giving greater powers to the ratepayers in the election of trustees.
§ SIR GRAHAM MONTGOMERY, approving the principle, thought the Bill had been drawn to suit the cases of particular counties, and therefore would require considerable alterations in Committee.
§ SIR EDWARD COLEBROOKEsaid, that while he supported the principle of the Bill, he thought it necessary that they should proceed with great caution. He hoped his hon. Friend would not listen to any suggestion to make the Bill compulsory.
§ MR. DUNLOPsuggested that the Bill should be committed pro formâ, that it might be considered in Scotland during the holydays.
§ SIR JOHN OGILVYwould adopt the suggestion offered by the hon. Member.
§ Bill read 2°, and committed for Friday.