VISCOUNT HAMILTONsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Upon whom rests the responsibility of the present impeded state of the thoroughfare in Park Lane; why the works have continued so long unfinished; and, how many men a-day are employed upon them, and when there is a probability of the works being completed?
COLONEL HOGGsaid, perhaps the noble Lord would allow him to answer the Questions. The Metropolitan Board of Works were at present engaged in altering the thoroughfare in Park Lane. Towards the end of last year their attention was drawn by the St. George's Vestry to the state of Park Lane. A Committee was formed, and, after various conferences between the First Commissioner of Works, the Committees of the Metropolitan Board, and the Vestry of St. George's, Hanover Square, it was agreed that a roadway should be formed of a minimum width of 40 feet, a footpath on the east side of a minimum width of 10 feet, and one on the west side of a uniform width of 8 feet. The deed was signed and deposited with the First Commissioner of Works on the 28th of January, 1868, and on the 31st the contractor was ordered to commence the work. He was allowed 245 twelve weeks to complete it, and, accordingly, it ought to have been completed on the 24th of April. A delay had, however, been occasioned by the necessity of altering the levels of the road in various places, which, though not originally contemplated, was found to be advantageous to both the thoroughfare and the Park. At present there were twenty men on the work, which were as many as could be conveniently employed. At times, during the progress of the job, there had been as many as 100 men on it. The portion of the road between Oxford Street and Mount Street was completely open, that from Mount Street to Stanhope Gate would be open this week, and the remainder would be open in about ten days from the present time.