§ MR. ANDERSONasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is the intention of that Board to make any report upon the proposed Bridge over the River Forth (for the construction of which power is sought under the Forth Bridge Railway Bill now in dependence before the House), and upon the extent to which such Bridge may interfere with or otherwise affect the navigation of the Forth, and the access of vessels to the anchorage of St. Margaret's Hope; and, if not, what are the reasons for no such report being in contemplation?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINSir, it is not the intention of the Board of Trade to make any Report on the proposed bridge over the River Forth. My hon. Friend is aware, probably, that this Bill has been 1030 referred to a Hybrid Committee, instead of, as is the ordinary course, a Private Bill Committee, and it appears to me that the question of navigation, involving, as it does, matters of detail, may very well be left in the hands of the Committee without coming before the Board of Trade, and I should point out, also, it is rather exceptional for the Board of Trade to make any Report.
§ MR. ANDERSONWill the Board of Trade be represented on the Hybrid Committee, so that the safety of the public and the interests of navigation will be properly looked after?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINThe Board of Trade will not be represented on the Committee.