SECOND READING. (Hansard, 8 March 1865)

§ SIR GEORGE GREY
said, he entirely concurred in the principle of this Bill, which, as he understood it, gave additional powers to local bodies. The details of the Bill would require great consideration, and he thought them susceptible of great amendment. The proper course would be to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. He might be allowed to say, with reference to what had fallen from the noble Lord, that he had passed no censure on him whatever. He had only expressed his regret that so much time had been consumed in proving an evil as to the existence of which they were agreed, the only difference of opinion being in regard to the remedy to be applied. He had not intended at all to blame the noble Lord; on the contrary, he thought he deserved commendation for the great attention he had paid to the subject, and he should be very happy if his efforts led to a practical measure. The noble Lord complained of the inactivity of the Government, but he might remind the noble Lord they had not been altogether inactive. The Lord Advocate last Session proposed a very stringent Bill with regard to Scotland, and at first he was sanguine of being able to carry it; but he soon found that would be impossible, because the question was dealt with in a large and comprehensive manner affecting numerous and important interests. They must proceed step by step with great caution, and in that way they might hope to accomplish some good.

§ LORD ROBERT MONTAGU
was sorry he had misunderstood the right hon. Baronet. He quite concurred in the propriety of referring this Bill to a Select Committee.

§ MR. F. S. POWELL
said, that power ought to be given to local Boards to carry the sewage beyond their respective boundaries. The discharge of sewage in large masses must be injurious, and care should be taken to guard against any mischief that might ensue therefrom. He also pointed out some other defects in the Bill relative to the difficulty attending local Boards carrying out its provisions, defalcation of contractors, &c.