§ SIR DE LACY EVANSput the following question to the noble Lord at the head of the Woods and Forests—What decision the Government has come to respecting the completion of the repairs of Westminster 306 Bridge which have been lately in progress, the widening of the roadway, &c.; or as to the reconstruction of the bridge on, or immediately near, its present site, as recommended by the Select Committee of last Session; it being proper that the various interests concerned should be relieved from the injury of another year's suspense?
§ VISCOUNT MORPETHsaid, that with respect to the repairs of the bridge, and the widening of the roadway, so much had already been done, that little remained to do, and the roadway was wider than it had been formerly. As to the proposed reconstruction of the bridge, he would tell the hon. and gallant Member exactly how the case stood. He had communicated to the commissioners for metropolitan improvements, that Government did not feel empowered to submit any proposition for making a new bridge at Charing Cross. Upon this information the commissioners came to the decision that it was expedient to have a bridge at or near the site of the present bridge. As, however, the bridge was now available for public traffic, and as a constant watch was kept that it should be in a trustworthy state; moreover, as an application had been made for a new bridge at the Horseferry landing place; and as, above all, the House would collect from the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that evening, that Ministers were very anxious not to incur any extra charges this year, Government was not prepared to submit to Parliament in the present Session any proposition for a new bridge.