§ Mr. Sanfordpresented a Petition from the Shareholders in the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company, against the Railways' Revision of Tolls Bill. He wished to know from his hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich whether it was his intention to press the Bill through this Session. It had already produced the most baneful effects. By the mere introduction of it, a panic had been created throughout the country, of which his hon. Friend could scarcely be aware.
§ Mr. Morrisonsaid, that he found himself in an embarrassing situation on this subject. He was, on the one hand, very strongly impressed with the importance of the Bill he had introduced, and he was most anxious that it should pass this Ses- 135 sion. Since he had brought the subject under the notice of the House, he had received communications from a vast number of persons well acquainted with what would be the probable effects of such a proposal, and he found that they were all of opinion that some measure of the kind was absolutely necessary. For his own part he retained his opinion on the subject; indeed, that opinion had been strengthened and confirmed since the introduction of the Bill, and he was now more convinced than ever that some such measure was indispensable for the security of the public. He was aware, however, on the other hand, that at that late period of the Session it would be extremely difficult to carry a Bill which was likely to encounter considerable opposition. He had come therefore very reluctantly to the conclusion that he ought to withdraw the Bill for the present Session. Another reason for doing so was, that many Members who would support the Bill had been obliged to leave town. Another reason was, that a measure had been adopted in the other House for inserting a certain clause in all Railway Bills now in progress that rendered the passing of this Bill this Session of less importance. When he originally introduced the Bill to the House, the proposal met with the universal approbation of the Members. The House then not only readily adopted all that he recommended, but hon. Members were even disposed to go further than he did, which was to include all Railway Bills then in progress through both Houses in the Bill, for they proposed to include railways that had been passed some years ago. He believed that a large majority of the House was still favourable to the measure. He was persuaded that a large majority of the trading classes of the country were favourable to it. As, however, he saw no chance of being able to carry it this year, he was obliged reluctantly to withdraw it. He begged at the same time to give notice, that early next Session he would bring in the Bill again for a similar measure.
§ Mr. Bainesmerely rose for the purpose of preventing a misapprehension from going abroad that the majority of Members in that House were favourable to the measure. He had taken some pains to ascertain the opinions of hon. Members on the subject, and he would state, that so far from there being a majority in favour of the Bill, there was a large majority against it. Those interested in railway speculations could know that there never was a measure more obnoxious to the majority of that House.