HC Deb 06 February 1852 vol 119 cc196-7
LORD SEYMOUR

laid on the table the Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the best and most convenient site for building a new bridge at Westminster.

SIR ROBERT H. INGLIS

said, he would take this occasion of asking the noble Lord, whether, in compliance with the recommendation of the Commissioners, confirmed as that recommendation had been by the Reports of two successive Committees of that House, he was at present prepared to bring in a Bill for transferring to the department over which he presided the property of the trust estates of Westminster bridge?

LORD SEYMOUR

said, the result of the Commission was, a Report recommending that a new bridge be constructed at Westminster. In accordance with the recommendation of that Report, he had given the regular notices, so that he might be enabled, if Parliament should seem to wish the matter to be carried out according to the recommendation of the Commission, to bring in a Bill for the purpose. In bringing in the Bill which would be necessary for constructing a new bridge, he intended to introduce some clauses to transfer the property of the Bridge Commissioners to the Commissioners of Works. He did not think it necessary to have separate Bills for the two objects, but it was desirable to wait till the Report should be in the hands of Members, in order to see whether it was the general feeling of the House that a Bill should be introduced in accordance with the recommendation of the Commissioners.

On Question, "That the Report be printed,"

SIR ROBERT H. INGLIS

begged to ask the noble Lord whether he could state at what period the Bill would be introduced? because it was very clear, that, if the Report of the Commissioners were carried into effect, no time ought to be lost in preparing and introducing such a Bill. He apprehended that there would be no objection whatever to the introduction of such a measure; and as the season would soon be advancing, and the necessary preparations ought to be made, he trusted the noble Lord would not delay it.

LORD SEYMOUR

said, he would give notice on an early day.

Report ordered to be printed.