§ House in Committee on the Stage Carriages Duties Bill.
§ COLONEL SIBTHORPbegged to direct the attention of Her Majesty's Government to a subject which deeply affected the safety and comfort of Her Majesty's subjects. He had always understood that omnibusses and other public conveyances were prohibited from conveying more than a certain number of passengers; but he had seen, particularly on Sundays, such carriages filled inside, he might venture to say, although he never was in one, to almost suffocation—and the outside packed with individuals to an extent that was truly dangerous; and drawn, too, in many instances, by two miserable animals that were scarcely able to drag the carriage, even if it were, empty. The drivers neither paid regard to the passengers nor to the poor animals, which were compelled to move onward by merciless lashing. He had no hesitation in saying that the language which he had heard these drivers and cads make use of to respectable persons was most disgusting, threatening and alarming, to an extent which ought not to be allowed. The gallant Colonel concluded by expressing a hope that Her Majesty's Government would endeavour to provide a remedy.
§ MR. PARKERmade a statement on the subject, but the purport did not reach the gallery. He was understood to say that the grievance would be provided for.
§ MR. HENLEY, in referring to this statement, remarked that the hope held out last Session, that the country would be relieved from the burden of upholding a large staff of excisemen, was not likely to be realized, as there seemed to be a disposition to employ the disbanded men in discharging other duties.
§ Bill went through Committee.
§ House adjourned at half-past Twelve till Monday.