HC Deb 21 July 1859 vol 155 c251

SIR MORTON PETO moved, that a Select Committee he appointed to inquire-into the causes of the present state of the Thames, and to suggest such remedies as may be deemed expedient for its improvement; but stated that he would far prefer that the Government would investigate the subject by a Commission.

Motion made, and Question proposed,— That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the causes of the present state of the Thames, and to suggest such remedies as may be deemed expedient for its improvement.

MR. BLACKBURN moved the Adjournment of the House. It would be impossible at this period of the year that a decent investigation should take place.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, the matter was gone into very deliberately last Session. The cause of the state of the Thames was the making of the river a common sewer, at the same time that the water companies were abstracting more and more water from the upper part of the river; and the proper remedy was already in the course of construction in the shape of the intercepting sewers. He hoped the Motion would not be pressed.

MR. TITE

said, the Metropolitan Board had already accomplished a portion of this remedy, and by next year considerable progress would be made.

Motion made, and Question, "That this House do now adjourn," put and agreed to

House adjourned accordingly at Two o'clock.