§ Mr. Christopher moved the second reading of the Sewers Bill.
§ Mr. Hodgesrose to oppose the measure. It was not long since he had introduced a bill for the regulation of sewers in England and Wales. That measure had been maturely considered, and was ultimately passed into a law. It had now been in operation for some time, and during the whole period since its enactment not a single petition had been presented to the House, complaining of its provisions. He therefore thought, that that act should not be repealed, unless strong reasons were shown for the adoption of such a course; and he called upon the hon. Member to state the grounds upon which the present measure had been brought forward.
§ Mr. Christopherfelt a strong interest in this subject, and had last year introduced a measure similar to the present. That bill had been read a second time, and was then referred to a committee, in order that its provisions might be fully considered. The Committee, however, had not been able to sit long as he could have wished, and it was agreed, that he should introduce a new bill in the present Session, and that after the second reading it should be referred to the same committee as had sat upon the bill of last year. He did not therefore wish to press the bill beyond the second reading, and his sole object was to have it referred to a committee, in order that the whole subject might be fully considered. The hon. Member opposite complained, that this bill repealed the Act which had been carried through the House by the hon. Member, but, with the exception of two clauses, the whole of the provisions of the hon. Gentleman's bill were re-enacted in the present measure. The Act was repealed solely because he thought it would be more convenient to have only one act upon this subject. He had had communication from all parts of England approving of the principle of this bill, and only suggesting that certain alterations might be made in it when it was before the Committee. Under these circumstances, thesefore, he hoped the House would allow it to be read a second time.
§ Bill read a second time.