§ MR. FIRTHasked the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, Whether it is true that the Board has now under consideration schemes of London improvement involving an outlay of ten millions sterling; and, whether, before proposing such expenditure to Parliament, the Board propose to obtain the sanction or ascertain the opinion of the inhabitants of London who are to find the money?
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGGThe Metropolitan Board of Works has now under consideration schemes of several important and much-needed improvements, which, if carried out, will, no doubt, involve a large expenditure; but nothing, I trust, approaching the amount named by the hon. Member. One of the schemes relates to communications across the Thames below London Bridge, which has been pressed upon the Board by numerous memorials from local authorities and others, and by deputations representing the wants of about 1,500,000 people residing East of London Bridge. Another scheme is that of new and improved approaches to the New Law Courts, which has been supported by numerous memorials and deputations; and I may add that this, together with the third scheme—the improvement of the approaches to the Houses of Parliament by the widening of Parliament Street—meets with the hearty approval of the First Commissioner of Her Majesty's Works. In addition to the evidences of public feeling which have been received, the elected representatives of the inhabitants have expressed their views as to the improvements; and the Board does not, therefore, I apprehend, intend to take further 961 steps to ascertain the wishes of the inhabitants; but it is open to those who desire to do so to express their opinion by memorial or otherwise, and careful consideration would be given to any such expression.
§ MR. FIRTHWill the hon. Gentleman say whom he means by the elected representatives of the inhabitants?
[No reply was given to the Question.]