CONSIDERATION. (Hansard, 14 June 1877)

§ SIR SYDNEY WATERLOW
said, it was intended to propose that the Standing Orders should be suspended in order that the Bill might be read a third time to-morrow. He thought Consideration of the measure should be postponed for some days, in order that hon. Members might have an opportunity of forming an opinion as to whether there should not be introduced into it—although it was a Private Bill—clauses of a similar description to those which had been inserted by Parliament in the Artizans' Dwellings Act of 1875, with reference to providing accommodation for the working classes who would be displaced. A very large number of persons would be unhoused by the carrying out of the improvements which the Bill contemplated, and under its provisions nothing like adequate accommodation would be afforded to those who would be so displaced. A sufficient number of houses should be built for the working classes in lieu of those which would have to be taken down. He moved that the Consideration of the Bill be postponed to Tuesday next.
Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon Tuesday next."—(Sir Sydney Waterlow.)
Question proposed, "That the word now' stand part of the Question."

§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGG
said, that to delay the Bill, as the hon. Baronet appeared to desire, would be equivalent to rejecting it altogether. Unless a Bill of that kind were read a third time before a certain day, according to a Standing Order it could not be proceeded with that Session. The Bill in question had received the assent of a Select Committee, and care had been taken that no injury should be inflicted 1758 by it to the working classes without providing a remedy. The Home Secretary had approved of the scheme, and felt satisfied that the parties who should be compelled to remove from their present holdings would be amply provided for by the substitution of new and approved dwellings for them before the year 1878.

§ MR. PORTMAN
said, the Committee on the Bill, over which he had the honour to preside, thought it right to present a special Report to the House. They thought the providing of accommodation for the people who would be turned out by these street improvements ought not to be left to private speculation. The improvements under this Bill were calculated to confer the most beneficial and lasting advantages on the public generally; and though there was no obligation to cover the sites of the dwellings which would be removed under it with houses of a similar character to those demolished, there was ample security given for the erection of dwellings of a new and improved character in lieu of them.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS
said, he hoped the Amendment would not be pressed. The improvements which the Bill contemplated were of an important and substantial character; and if its progress were obstructed at the present stage he was afraid it would not become law this year at all. He quite agreed that provision ought to be made for securing accommodation for those persons who would be turned out of their dwellings, and who could not secure accommodation for themselves; and when the measure reached the House of Lords the Government would, if necessary, cause the insertion of provisions for the protection of those of the working classes who might be displaced in consequence of the improvements being carried into effect.

§ SIR SYDNEY WATERLOW
said, that upon that understanding he would withdraw his opposition to the Bill being proceeded with.

§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGG,
on behalf of the Metropolitan Board of Works, was prepared to accept any clause for the better protection of the working classes which the Home Secretary might deem requisite.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
1759 Main Question put, and agreed to.
Bill considered.
Ordered, That Standing Order 243 be suspended, and that the Bill be read the third time To-morrow.—(Sir Charles Forster.)