HC Deb 19 March 1863 vol 169 cc1648-9

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clauses 1 and 2 agreed to.

Clause 3 (Interpretation).

MR. HENLEY

asked the meaning of the words "lands continuously built upon," which occurred in two paragraphs of this clause.

MR. MILNER GIBSON

said, they were inserted to define streets—which were "lands continuously built upon."

MR. HENLEY

said, if the Committee could not understand the interpretation clause, they could not understand the clauses to which it referred. The words were very vague, and many questions would arise unless a clearer definition were given of them.

MR. BUTT

said, the words had been judicially interpreted; that he knew of his own knowledge.

MR. HENLEY

would be glad to hear the interpretation the words had received.

MR. BUTT

referred to a case in which the city of Cork and a railway company were concerned, but he could not undertake to say what the decision was.

MR. HENLEY

asked what the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Board of Trade meant by these words?

MR. MILNER GIBSON

said, the words were plain English. He did not see how they could better define a street. The words were most reasonable. Did the right hon. Gentleman object to them?

MR. HENLEY

said, he did not object to them, but he wanted them to be explained, clearly and properly.

Clause agreed to; as was also Clause 4.

Clause 5 (Provisions as to Notices and Consents).

LORD ALFRED CHURCHILL

proposed, alter the third paragraph, to add a provision to the effect that after a company had given due notice of its intention to pass along a certain road, the absence of dissent in writing on the part of the proprietors on either side of such road should, after the lapse of fourteen days, be equivalent to their consent.

MR. MILNER GIBSON

said, the proposed concession would no doubt be very beneficial to the companies, and he at first thought it was one which might properly be granted. But, on further consideration, it had been thought better that the companies should incur the trouble of ob- taining the express consent of the parties interested.

Proviso negatived.

Clause agreed to.

Clause 6 (General Description of Works which a Telegraph Company may execute, subject to the restrictions of this Act).

Question, "That Paragraph I stand part of the Clause," put, and agreed to.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

MR. JACKSON

proposed the insertion of words for the protection of water and gas pipes; he also objected to the sufficiency of the notices provided.

Whereupon Debate arising,

Question, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again," put, and agreed to.

House resumed:—Committee report Progress; to sit again on Monday next.