HC Deb 06 June 1864 vol 175 cc1336-7

Order for Committee read.

MR. HASSARD

said, this Bill was applicable only to railway companies, and he could not see any reason why it should not be equally applicable to gas and water companies, many of which would be established in small places if they could get an Act of incorporation or an Act of Parliament without going to an enormous expense. In some cases the capital required would not exceed £1,500 or £2,000, while the expense of obtaining an Act would be about £500.

MR. MILNER GIBSON

observed, that the Committee did not clearly see their way to laying down any general conditions applicable to all works, and had, therefore, refrained from making any recommendation on the subject.

MR. SEYMOUR FITZGEEALD

pointed out that, under the 3rd clause, powers were given to companies to make railways where there was no opposition; and under the 9th clause limit was imposed to the opposition. This latter clause he objected to, for there was no power of opposition, in case of consent of all the landowners on the line, by any party other than a railway or canal company, although damage might be done to parties whose land was not scheduled. He would not, however, object to the Bill going into Committee.

MR. MILNER GIBSON

said, that landowners under this Bill were in a better position than they would be under a Private Bill. All persons whose lands were touched by the proposed works must not only have given their consent, but the agreement between the purchaser and landowner must be produced before the Board of Trade before the certificate could undergo consideration. If the House would allow the Bill to go into Committee it would find that all the cases referred to were properly provided for.

Bill considered in Committee.

House resumed.

Committee report Progress; to sit again on Thursday.