HC Deb 19 March 1877 vol 233 cc188-9

Motion made, and Question proposed, That it be an Instruction to the Select Committee on the Metropolis Toll Bridges Bill that the Metropolitan Board have power to provide that any Bridges which may hereafter be constructed in the Metropolis shall be toll-free, and to inquire from what source the funds for that purpose can be derived."—(Mr. Samuda.)

SIR JAMES HOGG

opposed the Motion, on the ground that if carried it would tend to defeat the object of the Bill entirely.

MR. E. J. REED

supported the Motion.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

advised the hon. Member for the Tower Hamlets (Mr. Samuda) not to press his Motion, or he would certainly extend very largely the scope of inquiry referred to the Committee, though the matters included in the Notice of Motion might be very proper subjects of inquiry.

MR. RAIKES

thought the Bill of the Metropolitan Board of Works did something like an injustice to the constituents of the hon. Member for the Tower Hamlets (Mr. Samuda), who could only avail themselves at present of London Bridge; while the Bill would tax them for others they did not use. He would, however, advise the withdrawal of the Motion, in order to see whether some arrangements could not be come to.

MR. ALDERMAN W. M'ARTHUR

hoped the Motion would not be passed, as he believed it would hamper the working of the Bill,

MR. RITCHIE

said, he should be glad to support the Motion, if the hon. Member opposite (Mr. Samuda) pressed it to a division.

MR. SAMUDA

said, he should not be doing justice to his constituents if he did not take the opinion of the House upon his Motion.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 25; Noes 38: Majority 13.—(Div. List, No. 40.)