§ LORD JOHN MANNERSsaid, he would beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, If it is true that a Bill is before Parliament which will sanction the erection of Gas Works within a short distance of Victoria Park; and, if so, whether it is his intention to oppose that Bill?
§ MR. COWPERsaid, in reply, that, by a Standing Order of that House any Bill which authorized the erection of gas works within 300 yards of any house should be preceded by notice of such erection to the occupiers of such house. That Standing Order did not, however, apply in the case referred to by the noble Lord; but the Imperial Gas Company's Bill contained a clause prohibiting the erection of their works within 300 yards of Victoria Park. He was of opinion that there was no good case for alleging that the noxious influence of the proposed works would extend to the Park. If the manufacture of gas was carried out in a proper and careful manner, no noxious results would be felt in a place at a distance of 300 yards from the works. The effluvium came from the refuse—from gas tar, ammoniacal liquor, and the lime used in purifying the gas. The right course in these cases was to have in the Bill clauses to prevent the accumulation of such noisome refuse; but he did not think they could oppose the erection of the works.
§ MR. BERESFORD HOPEsaid, he had given notice of a question on the same subject, and as he did not think the explanation of the right hon. Gentleman very satisfactory, he would ask it. He wished to know, Whether, if the report be true that it is proposed to erect Gas Works, covering twenty-seven acres, in close proximity to Victoria Park, he is prepared to take steps for the protection of that important place of public recreation?
§ MR. COWPERreplied, that his Department had no locus standi in the case; but he should ask the promoters to introduce such clauses as that Department deemed to be necessary.