§ MR. BATHURSTsaid, be wished to ask the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he intends to introduce a Bill on the subject of the Thames Navigation, as recommended by the Select Committee; whether he is aware that the Thames and Severn Railway Bill seeks power to convey the water pumped from the Thames Head Springs by a culvert into the watershed of the Severn; and whether it should be left 1710 entirely to local proprietors to resist such proposals?
§ MR. MILNER GIBSONSir, it is my intention to introduce a Bill on the subject of the Thames Navigation as recommended by the Select Committee. I am aware that the Thames and Severn Canal Navigation Bill contains certain provisions with respect to the use of water from the Thames Head Springs. As it is a disputed question whether the effect of those provisions will be to divert water from the Thames, and as it is also a disputed question whether the Company have or have not a vested right to the water they are proposing to use, I think that the Bill is one which ought to be dealt with by a Select Committee, before whom these questions may be investigated. I also am informed that the Conservators of the Thames have petitioned against and intend to oppose the Bill.