MR. CARINGTONasked the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, If he will inform the House why, this time of the year, when the traffic is very heavy, has been chosen to take up the wood pavement in Piccadilly, near Hyde Park Corner; and, whether it was done in order to repair the gas or water pipes, or on account of the pavement being out of repair?
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGGSir, the streets of the Metropolis are under the supervision of the Vestries and District Boards, and no permission from the Metropolitan Board of Works is requisite for repairs unless it is desired to close the thoroughfare entirely. With regard to the pavement of Piccadilly, I have ascertained, by the courtesy of the Vestry Surveyor, that it was taken up at the request of the contractors, and with the sanction of the Vestry, because it was in a bad condition. The work is being proceeded with now in order that it may be completed by the end of the Easter Recess, after which time, I need hardly mention, the traffic will be even larger than it is now.