HC Deb 01 May 1883 vol 278 cc1667-8

Order for Second Reading read.

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

MR. SCLATER-BOOTH

said, he had no wish to discuss the general plan of the Bill, which was agreeable to the inhabitants of the New Forest, and which provided that certain roads should be put in repair by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, and afterwards become repairable—which was not now the case—by the ratepayers of the parishes, or highway districts in which they were locally situate. The mode, however, by which the due repair of the roads was to be certified, with a view to the chargeability of the ratepayers, was open to exception; and upon that, and kindred points, he desired to have some explanations. The county surveyor, who had nothing whatever to do with these roads, was put under statutory obligation to perform this duty; but no provision was made for payment for his services, nor had his consent even been asked. He would, therefore, be glad to hoar from the hon. Gentleman the Secretary to the Treasury whether it was proposed that the county surveyor should be properly remunerated by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests; and whether he would be furnished with all the information and assistance needed to enable him to discharge his duties? He also desired to know whether the bridges, as well as the roads, would be properly repaired and strengthened? If these points were not provided for, it might be desirable to do so by Amendments in Committee.

MR. COURTNEY

said, he would admit the justice of the remarks of the right hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Sclater-Booth). It would be unreasonable to expect the county surveyor to accept duties outside his office without remuneration; and it was but right, also, that he should be supplied with the means of ascertaining how the roads should be repaired. The points referred to by the right hon. Gentleman would receive due consideration.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed to a Select Committee of Nine Members; Five to be nominated by the House, and Four by the Committee of Selection.

Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill presented two clear days before the meeting of the Committee he referred to the Committee.

Ordered, That the Petitioners praying to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or Agents, be heard against the Bill, and Counsel heard in support of the Bill, with power to send for persons, papers, and records.

Ordered, That Three be the quorum.