§ MR. HENLEYsaid, he wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman (Sir B. Hall) whether the works in rebuilding Westminster Bridge were suspended, how long they were suspended for, what was the reason for that suspension, when the works would be recommenced, whether any difficulty had been experienced in carrying out the plans, and whether any alteration was intended with regard to those plans?
§ SIR BENJAMIN HALLsaid, the right hon. Gentleman's question was a very large one, and he was sorry he could not give him all the information he required. The subject of rebuilding Westminster Bridge was brought before a Committee of that House in 1853; the work was let out by contract upon a plan which he believed was sanctioned by the House; but some time afterwards the contractors became bankrupt, and he therefore placed the whole matter, which he found to be one of very great difficulty, entirely in the hands of two eminent engineers, Mr. Rendel and Mr. Simpson. All that had been since done, had been done under the sanction of those gentlemen, and he was in great hopes that he should have been able that day to lay on the table their Report on the existing state of the works, and as to the course they would recommend for the future. He had been informed, however, that the Report of Mr. Simpson and Mr. Rendel would not be ready for ten days or a fortnight, but as soon as it was made it should be laid upon the table of the House.