§ SIR GEORGE JENKINSONasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether the statement, as reported, made by the secretary of his department, the honourable Member for South Norfolk, viz. that,—
As far as he was concerned, he had heard nothing whatever of the intention of the Government to bring in any Bill this year upon the question of highways, and therefore they would, he supposed, drift on in the present unsatisfactory state for a little time longer;"—and whether that statement accurately represents the intention of Her Majesty's Government, or whether they intend, during the present Session, to bring in any general measure of legislation to deal with the question of the future management and maintenance of roads, and especially with a view of relieving the ratepayers of various parishes?
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTHNo one can be surprised that my hon. Friend should have taken the earliest opportunity of asking this Question. In reply to it, I fear that it will not be practicable, having regard to the pressure of existing engagements, to introduce within the present Session a comprehensive measure on the subject of highways, dealing with all the important matters which incidentally mix themselves up with it.
§ SIR GEORGE JENKINSONgave Notice that, under these circumstances, he would take an early opportunity of bringing forward a Motion on the subject.