§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. WALPOLEsaid, that this was a measure of the late Government, and as he wished to have time to consider its provisions, he should move that the Order be postponed until Friday next.
§ MR. PALKwished to say a few words with regard to this measure, which had been so constantly before the House and so constantly postponed. The Bill related to a subject than which there was none more important, or that required more consideration, and he hoped that his right hon. Friend, who would probably state on a future occasion upon what principle he intended to legislate in this matter, would clearly and emphatically inform the House that one provision of the Bill should go to the total and entire abolition of the Board of Health, and that all powers which were of a centralising character should be vested in the hands of some member of the Government, having a seat in this House, and responsible to it for the fulfilment of the duties of the department of which he would be the head.
§ MR. SLANEYsaid, that as a member of the Health of Towns Commission, he had investigated the condition of many of the humble dwellings in densely populated districts, and he felt confident that there was no Bill of greater consequence to the welfare of the working classes than the one alluded to by the hon. Gentleman. He concurred with him, however, in thinking that the gentleman at the head of the Board of Health, ought always to have a seat in this House. Those provisions which enabled local bodies to carry out improvements in the drainage, cleansing, and supply of water in large towns were absolutely necessary; but he thought a clause should be introduced for preventing further interference with buildings, except the construction of such courts and alleys as had been found by experience, and had been reported by Commissions, to be inimical to the health and comfort of the humbler classes.
§ Second Reading deferred till Friday next.