§ MR. LABOUCHEREI wish to ask a question in reference to those Bills for the amalgamation of Railways, several of which, of great importance, are expected to come before the House at no distant period. The question I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman is, whether he has given this subject his consideration, and whether he will be prepared at the proper time to recommend to the House the course best calculated to enable the House to consider the subject with a view to protect the interests of the public and the parties concerned?
§ MR. HENLEYThe question that has been addressed to me by the right hon. Gentleman can hardly he overrated in importance. I have not had an opportunity, nor has the Department with which I have the honour to he connected, had an opportunity, of knowing anything of those Amalgamation Bills except through the means that are open to the public at large —the Gazette notices. It is from that source alone that I have derived any information. It is quite clear from the notices that many large schemes of amalgamation are contemplated. I have given as much attention to the subject as I have been able, and I think it will be the duty of this House, as far as I can see at present, to appoint a Committee to inquire into the whole subject in a very large and wide manner, and to adopt such measures, either by Standing Orders or otherwise, as will best enable them to meet the urgency of the case. I think, for the sake of the public as well as for the sake of the parties themselves, some means should be adopted to take care that those great steps should not be taken unadvisedly.