HC Deb 05 August 1874 vol 221 cc1372-3

(Mr. Whalley, Sir George Bowyer.)

Order for Second Beading read.

SIR WILLIAM FRASER,

in moving that the Bill be now read the second time, said, he did so for the purpose of gaining information respecting it, neither of its founders being present. The Bill enabled the Metropolitan Board of Works to purchase and accept by way of gift any sites in the metropolis offered to them for the recreation of the public. By the 3rd clause, in case of division of opinion among those possessing the right to sell, the holders of two-thirds could bind the other third. He should like to know whether under the Bill the Metropolitan Board of Works would have power to inclose whatever sites they might acquire?

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir William Fraser.)

MR. LOCKE

said, there was nothing in the Bill of the slightest importance, and he suspected its promoters had discovered the fact; he was therefore not surprised that they had absented themselves from the House.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

said, it would he absolutely useless to pass the second reading at the present period of the Session. He agreed in the view taken by the hon. Member for South-wark, and as there were one or two principles in the Bill to which he entertained a strong objection, he should therefore move its rejection.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day month."—(Mr. Secretary Cross.)

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

SIR JAMES HOGG

said, the Metropolitan Board of Works had ample powers at present to acquire sites in the metropolis for purposes of public recreation, and with great advantage they were exercising those powers in the Bill now before the House; they had not time to look at it, and it was thus quite impossible for them, since its introduction, to give it any consideration. Being unnecessary, he hoped it would be rejected.

MR. GOLDSMID

thought the strange combination by which the Bill was promoted (Mr. Whalley and Sir George Bowyer) was very suspicious. He supported the Amendment.

Question put, and negatived.

Words added.

Main Question, as amended, put, and agreed to.

Second Reading put off one month