HC Deb 06 May 1811 vol 19 cc796-7
Mr. Sumner

moved the third reading of the Bills for building a bridge near the Three Cranes Wharf, at the bottom of Queen-street, Cheapside.

Sir W. Curtis

opposed the Bill, on the; ground that there are already three bridges on the river near the metropolis; that the consequence of another bridge; so near that of London, would affect the navigation of the river by causing too great a current; and that in point of necessity it was not called for by the public.

Sir C. Price

also opposed it.

Sir T. Turton

supported the Bill. He did not think that there was any thing, in the objections of the worthy aldermen who had preceded him, certainly nothing to outweigh the one fact he could state to, the House, which was, that Mr. Rennie, a man of the first experience and authority in his profession, after a minute examination of London Bridge, had declared it formally as his opinion that London Bridge, after one hard frost, might not last a year. As to the corporation of London not being treated with respect by the projectors of this Bill, if this was the case, he was sorry that it was so; but still he contended, that such conduct on the part of the projectors was no reason why the public should be deprived of the many and great advantages resulting from this Bill.

Mr. Marryatt

spoke in favour of the Bill. He detailed the many and various difficulties, amounting to positive obstructions, experienced every hour of the day in passing over London-bridge. The pressure of all sorts of vehicles incessantly passing and repassing, kept the bridge in such a state that it was always needing repair, and of course in many parts of it not passable. He had frequently, on his way to Sydenham, been delayed a longer-time (his carriage following in the line of carriages) in going the half mile leading to and over the bridge, than in riding the seven remaining miles.—An hon. baronet had said, that there were already three bridges over the river Thames.; Paris, a city not to be compared with this, in point of trade, extent, population, or opulence had yet not less than nine bridges over the Seine. The House were in possession of the opinion of Mr. Rennie, and if that opinion should be confirmed: if any accident should happen to London-bridge, he asked, in what a situation would the inhabitants then find themselves, if no provision similar to the one now proposed should have been previously determined on? He wished also to impress upon the House, that the iron bridge intended to be built would not be less an object of convenience than embellishment.

Mr. Sumner

observed, that the Bill, as had been proved before the Committee, was highly necessary, on the ground stated by the gentlemen who had preceded him; that in order to shew its necessity, evidence was called from among the servants of the corporation of the city of London, who stated, that so great has been the pressure of business, and so narrow the passes, that stoppages of carriages of all sorts have occurred for the space of three or four hours.

The Bill was then read a third time and passed.