HL Deb 30 July 1846 vol 88 cc201-2
The EARL of CLARENDON

moved, that the House do now go into Committee on this Bill.

LORD BEAUMONT

protested against proceeding with it this Session, in the present divided state of opinion upon the question. The effect of passing the present measure would be to perpetuate the existing want of uniformity of gauge, with-preventing future irregularity. Why not defer the consideration of the subject till next Session, when it would no doubt be perfectly practicable to devise some scheme by which existing lines, as well as those to be constructed, might be brought to a uniform system? He objected to the Bill, also, because it held out to the narrow gauge companies a hope that their plan would be the one to be universally adopted hereafter. Now, it could not be denied that there was more danger in travelling on the narrow than on the broad gauge lines, as he could testify from experience on two occasions. The noble Lord concluded by moving that the House go into Committee on the Bill this day three months.

EARL GREY

justified the measure, not as the best that could be devised, but as the best that could be obtained during the present Session, and on account of the absolute necessity of passing some Bill of the kind to prevent the evils resulting from the break of gauge being extended. The passing of this Bill would, by no means, preclude Parliament or railway companies from considering the question, with a view to further amendment.

The EARL of WARWICK

thought that before they insisted on uniformity of system their inquiries ought to be directed to ascertain which was the best.

After a few words from LORD REDESDALE

, the original Motion was carried. The Bill passed through Committee, and was reported.

House adjourned.