§ The Order of the Day having been read for going into Committee on the Ordnance Survey Bill.
§ Lord G. Somersetsaid, he should take the sense of the House on the bill, and after striking out the first clause, he should endeavour to do away with the machinery of high constables. He thought a proper survey should be made in a proper manner, by persons delegated by Government. Fie said delegated by the Government, because there would be in the survey interference with private property. There were many provisions of the bill to which he greatly objected. He objected to lords lieutenant of counties having anything to do with the selection of the parties who were to mark out the boundaries. The next part, of the machinery to which he objected was the country surveyors. 773 He thought the appointment of such an officer was extremely wrong, because generally speaking, he was a man of little or no education, and, therefore, it was to be supposed that he would not understand the business that was to be delegated to him. He had several amendments to propose; and he hoped, therefore, the hon. and gallant Officer would postpone the committee till after Easter.
Sir H. Viviansaid, that he was disposed to give his best consideration to the noble Lord's amendments. With regard to the interpretation clause, the object was to secure the assistance of persons best acquainted with the locality under survey, and not to interfere with private property in any way whatever. If; the noble Lord would allow the Bill to go through committee pro formâ that night, the amendments would be printed with the bill, and be in the hands of Members on Monday.
§ Lord G. Somersetsaid, that he would not object to this course, with the understanding that the consideration of the report would be postponed.
§ The bill went through Committee pro formâ, was reported, and ordered to be printed with amendments.