§ MR. RATHBONEasked the President of the Board of Trade, What course he intends to propose with respect to the Railway Amalgamation Bills; and, whether he will propose such modification of the Standing Orders as shall enable public bodies representing traders, such as Chambers of Commerce, a locus stanch before Committees on such Bills?
§ MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE,in reply, said that the course which he proposed to take with regard to the Railway Amalgamation Bills was that which was recommended by the Joint Committee of last Session. He would, therefore, move a Resolution to the effect that all Railway Amalgamation Bills this Session, and also all Bills to enable railway companies to acquire possession of canals, should be referred to a Joint Committee of the two Houses especially selected for the purpose. Some such modification as that to which the hon. Gentleman had alluded would probably be effected.