HC Deb 12 April 1861 vol 162 cc522-3
SIR JOHN SHELLEY

said, he had a question of some importance to the country at large to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department—namely, When the promised Bill for the Amendment of Arterial Drainage and Outfalls will be introduced by the Government? The House would remember that early in the Session he took the opportunity of asking whether it was the intention of Government to introduce a Bill on the subject of arterial drainage, and he was informed that a measure of that kind was in preparation. In consequence of the immense increase in the surface drainage it was impossible that the natural outfalls of the country could carry immense quantities of rain such as had fallen last year, as they did when it percolated through the soil. The consequence was that during the autumn and winter large tracts of land were flooded, and a vast amount of property was destroyed. As many proprietors objected to allow any general system of drainage to be carried through their land, there were no other means of dealing with this question than by a general Act; and seeing (the immense amount of public business that was in progress and in preparation, it was absolutely necessary that no time should be lost if it was intended to proceed with this Bill; and he, therefore, again asked what time it was likely to be introduced?

MR. CLIVE

said, that the question was a very large and important one, and was still under consideration. He had hoped to be able to lay a measure on the table on an early day after Easter; but it had been found necessary to alter the Bill considerably. He thought it would be in a condition to be laid on the table before the end of the month.