§ MR. MONTAGUE GUESTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether Her Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of bringing in a Bill to remove all bars, gates, posts, and obstructions situated on private property in the Metropolis, which now hinder the free traffic of vehicles in the streets of London?
§ MR. O'DONNELLsaid, that, before the Question was answered, he should like to ask whether, before any steps were taken such as those suggested, the Home Secretary would consider the great advisability of persons of studious habits and of quiet occupations being still allowed to live in streets undisturbed by vehicular traffic?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT, in reply, said, he did not think the matter was one which the Government ought to undertake. The owners of the land, and the residents of the houses, were interested in the maintenance of those bars, gates, and posts, and it was impossible to destroy those interests without making compensation. [Opposition cheers.] He was glad that statement was so satisfactory to hon. Gentlemen opposite. 1229 Under the circumstances relating to these obstructions a Bill for the purpose of their removal could only be undertaken by the local authority.
§ MR. MONTAGUE GUESTgave Notice that, on an early day, he would call attention to the bars and other obstructions in the streets of London, and move a Resolution.
§ MR. O'DONNELLI give Notice that I shall oppose the Motion.