HC Deb 21 March 1867 vol 186 cc371-2
MR. LOWE

said, that he also had an Irish grievance. He moved for a Select Committee to be appointed to inquire into the facts stated in the petition of Mr. Francis Webb Sheilds. That gentleman's plan for the Thames Embankment had been selected out of those of fifty-nine other engineers as the foundation of the plan upon which that great work bad been carried out under the superintendence of the engineer of the Metropolitan Board of Works. Mr. Sheilds had been put to considerable trouble and expense in preparing his plans for the competition, for which he had received no compensation whatever. He thought the case was one which deserved to be inquired into.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Petition of Francis Webb Sheilds, C. E. [presented 8th March], relative to the Thames Embankment, be referred to a Select Committee to inquire into the allegations thereof and to report their opinion to the House."—(Mr. Lowe.)

MR. HUNT

said, he trusted that the right hon. Gentleman would not object to the debate being adjourned in consequence of the absence of the First Commissioner of Works (Lord John Manners), who had left the House under the impression that the Motion would not have been made at that late hour (five minutes to Two o'clock).

MR. LOWE

said, he must decline to assent to the adjournment of the debate. It was the business of the First Commissioner of Works to be in his place when such a Motion was likely to be made.

MR. HUNT

moved the adjournment of the debate.

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Hunt.)

The House divided:—Ayes 6; Noes 28: Majority 22.

    c372
  1. POLICIES OF INSURANCE BILL. 51 words