HC Deb 23 June 1851 vol 117 cc1122-3

On Motion for consideration of the Amendments to this Bill,

MR. BRISCO

moved to insert the word "Hastings" into it.

Amendment proposed, "That 'Hastings' be inserted in the Schedule."

LORD SEYMOUR

said, he had seen a petition presented to this House, in April, by the hon. Member for Hastings, praying that Hastings might be excluded; and on that ground he thought it right to exclude it from this Bill, with the understanding that he should be at liberty to insert it in any future Bill he might introduce.

MR. FULLER

supported the Motion of Mr. Brisco.

MR. FREWEN

said, that all the medical men in Hastings and St. Leonard's had strongly expressed their opinion in favour of the necessity of extending the Bill to the town. He knew that an anxious desire existed on the part of the majority of the inhabitants of the town to be included in the Bill.

LORD HOTHAM

said, that the borough of Hastings consisted of the old town of Hastings and the new one of St. Leonard's, and a large proportion of the borough and county voters lived in St. Leonard's, and that was the reason why the hon. Members who had spoken were in favour of this Amendment. The question was, whether the entire borough of Hastings was to be excluded from the Bill. He had read the report of the Local Commissioners on the town of Hastings; and its state in regard to sanitary arrangements was a disgrace to any civilised country. It required sanitary improvements much more than St. Leonard's. The object of the Amendment was to cause the inhabitants of St. Leonard's to contribute to the undertaking. The result would place the people of St. Leonard's entirely at the mercy of the Town Council of Hastings. Under all these circumstances, he should certainly give his vote in favour of the course of proceeding of the noble Lord.

VISCOUNT EBRINGTON

said, that the proposition of the hon. Member would defeat the intentions of Parliament, because it was intended to give the Queen in Council power to carry out these sanitary measures, even if the inhabitants of any place should not request it to be done.

After a few words from Mr. HENLEY,

MR. GEACH

said, that he believed the medical profession of Hastings were anxious that this Bill should be made to apply to that town.

Question put, "That 'Hastings' be there inserted."

The House divided:—Ayes 46; Noes 48: Majority 2.

Report was then received.

The House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock.