MR. ALDERMAN W. LAWRENCEasked the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, Whether the attention of the Board has been directed to the large number of persons found drowned in the Thames, between Vauxhall Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, in front of the Embankments; and, whether he will bring before the Board the question of the advisability of affixing life chains to the Embankment walls, throughout their whole length, in order to afford some assistance to drowning persons who may succeed in reaching the walls?
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGGSir I have observed in the newspapers with regret frequent mention of bodies having been found in the Thames between Vauxhall and Blackfriars Bridges; but 147 I am not aware that this is attributable in any way to the absence of chains on the Embankment walls. Suggestions that chains should be so placed have been made; but the Metropolitan Board have considered that, inasmuch as they would not be available at all times of the tide, they would be of no practical use.
MR. ALDERMAN W. LAWRENCEsaid, that the chains he had alluded to would be available at all times, because they would have to be so placed as to be so.
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGGsaid, he thought that hon. Members ought not to make speeches when asking Questions.