HC Deb 15 June 1815 vol 31

On the order of the day for the third reading of the New Post-office Bill,

Mr. Baring

rose to lament that so much unnecessary expense should be incurred by the country, at a moment so important as the present. He declared that he would take the sense of the House upon the third reading.

Mr. Calcraft

said, that it was necessary before such an expense was incurred, and especially at the present time, when every guinea was of such value to the Government, that the absolute necessity of the new Post-office should be shown.

Mr. Atkins Wright

fully concurred with the hon. gentleman who spoke last.

Mr. Lushington

said, that from the reports of committees, it appeared that the superior advantages of the new Post-office would much more than counterbalance the expense. It would be a great improvement to the city of London, and he believed it would not exceed the estimate.

Mr. Gordon

said, that in the case of the new Custom-house, the ground belonged to the public; but in that of the new Post-office, it was to be purchased at a great and indefinite expense. He should oppose the Bill to the last, because he viewed it in the light of a mere job, and a profligate expenditure of the public money.

The House then divided: For the third reading, 49; Against it, 24;—Majority, 25.