§ The House being informed, That the sheriffs of the city of London attended at the door, they were called in; and at the bar presented to the House, a Petition of the lord mayor, aldermen, and commons of the city of London in common council assembled:—and they withdrew.
§ And the said petition was read; setting forth, that a principal avenue of communication between the city of London and the great north road, by Saint Martin's-le-Grand, is much too narrow for the increased trade and population of the metropolis, and very incommodious and dangerous to passengers; and that the widening and improving the said avenue, and making proper communications therewith, and also widening Foster land contiguous thereto, would be of public utility; and 393 that the Post-office at London is very confined, and inconvenient for the transaction of the extensive business of that branch of the revenue, and the scite between St. Martin's-le-Grand and Foster lane aforesaid is a very desirable situation, where commodious buildings might be erected for the inland, foreign, and two-penny post departments; and the whole business of that great and important national concern conducted with facility and convenience to the public; and that the consent of the lords commissioners of his Majesty's treasury to the said improvement, and providing a situation for a general post office as before-mentioned, could not be obtained till long since the time fixed by the House for receiving petitions for private Bills had elapsed; and praying, that leave may be given to present a Petition for leave to bring in a Bill for the purposes aforesaid.—Leave given.