HC Deb 02 August 1867 vol 189 cc819-20

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1 (Repeal and Continuance of Turnpike Acts).

MR. WHALLEY

moved, "That the Chairman report Progress."

Motion negatived.

MR. WHALLEY

said, he objected to the first clause. The public had been led to believe that in 136 districts the Turnpike Acts would not be renewed, but only thirty-seven were omitted from the Schedule.

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

said, that all the trusts mentioned in the Bill existed, and that the object of the Bill was to continue these trusts for another year.

Clause agreed to.

MR. WHALLEY

moved a new clause, providing that a Report should be laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State as to the debts of turnpike trusts.

MR GATHORNE HARDY

hoped the hon. Gentleman would not press the clause, as it would be impossible to carry it out without further legislation.

Clause negatived.

MR. READ

moved the insertion of a clause providing that a driver of a waggon or cart of any kind should not be liable to any penalty for riding upon the carriage on any turnpike road providing he did not ride upon the shafts, but carefully drove by means of reins held in his hands.

Clause agreed to.

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

moved a clause providing that ratepayers should have access to the accounts of the trust where repairs had been borne by the parish.

Clause agreed to.

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

moved a clause providing for an extra audit of the accounts of the trust wherever one or more trustees should desire it.

Clause agreed to.

On Second Schedule,

MR. WHITE

said, he had to complain that a tollgate was permitted to remain at the main outlet of the town of Brighton, though the debt of the trust had been paid off. With the view of doing away with this toll he moved to insert in the Schedule "3 & 4 Will. IV., c. 43, intituled 'An Act for more effectually repairing the Road from Lewes to Brighthelmston, in the county of Sussex.'"

Amendment proposed, after line 2, to insert the words "3 and 4 Will. 4, c. 43, intituled, 'An Act for more effectually repairing the Road from Lewes to Brightelmston, in the county of Sussex.'"—(Mr. White.)

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

said, that the main ground for preserving the existing arrangement was the excessive pressure of rates which the alteration would impose on some small parishes, increasing them in one case by 800 and another by 650 per cent. He felt bound to resist the Amendment.

Question put, "That those words be there inserted."

The Committee divided: — Ayes 20; Noes 27: Majority 7.

Remaining Schedules agreed to.

House resumed.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Monday next.