§ MR. WATKINsaid, in the absence of his hon. Friend (Mr. H. Lewis), he would beg to ask the hon. Member for Bath, Whether the Metropolitan Board of Works intend to give any compensation to those persons who have, with the consent of the Thames Conservancy, erected and maintained piers for the accommodation of steamboat passengers, but which piers will be removed on the completion of the Embankment?
§ MR. TITEsaid, in reply, that there could be no doubt that when the Metropolitan Board of Works took away or obstructed the enjoyment of any existing stairs, pier, or landing-place, they were bound to take care that some other pier or landing-place should be erected and provided for the public. This had been done, or was doing, at very great expense, and he believed with very great advantage to the public. They were advised that, that being done under the clause of the Act of Parliament under which these works were constructed, they were not liable to any personal compensation in respect to any rights referred to by the hon. Member. The Act the Board were carrying out was an Act brought in and passed by Her Majesty's Government, and handed over to the Metropolitan Board to carry into effect, who were bound by it, and not at liberty to go beyond it. If anyone thought himself wronged by their proceedings, under the 21st section of the Act, application might be made to the Court of Queen's Bench, when the rights of parties would, of course, be respected and attended to.