§ Mr. P. Thomsonmoved for the appointment of a select Committee to inquire into the state of communication by railways, and to report their observations thereon to the House. It was intended, he said, that the Committee should consider the present state of the regulations affecting railways as settled by the bills already passed through Parliament. It was well known to the House that there was now a great number of applications from railway companies for bills to confer fresh powers, 1315 and before additional powers were granted, it was fit that some inquiry should take place as to the manner in which those already vested in such bodies were exercised. Some recommendation might also emanate from the committee, as to the introduction of provisional regulations into the bills now passing through the House. It was not necessary for him to refer to particular instances to show the expediency of an inquiry. A variety of different regulations affected different companies, which it was desirable to reduce to an uniform standard. An arrangement of this kind would equally benefit the public and the railway companies. Every one must admit that the advantages secured to the public by railways were very great, but they were not unattended by inconveniences, the removal of which was much to be desired. As he did not anticipate that any opposition would be offered to his motion, he would not at present enter more fully into the subject.
§ Motion agreed to.