§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Sir Charles Forster.)
MR. THOROLD ROGERSsaid, he had given Notice of his intention to move the rejection of the Bill; but he proposed to withdraw that Motion in favour of that of the hon. Member for the Tower Hamlets (Mr. Ritchie) to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. He had a Petition to present against the Bill from the working men of London, who feared that the measure would diminish the quantity of shipping near London Bridge, and thereby cause a diminution of employment. He -was fully prepared to admit—and ho admired—the public spirit and generosity of the Corporation in the matter. They were undertaking to construct this bridge at their own expense; but he was afraid that it might be found necessary to pay a large amount of compensation to wharfingers and others, and that the traffic might be seriously impeded.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time.
§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee, Five to be nominated by the House, and Four by the Committee of Selection,"—(Mr. Ritchie.)
§ Question put, and agreed to.
64§ Bill committed to a Select Committee, Five to be nominated by the House, and Four by the Committee of Selection.
§ Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill, presented not later than three clear days before the sitting of the Committee, be referred to the Committee; and that such of the Petitioners as pray to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, Agents, or Witnesses, be heard upon their Petitions, if they think fit, and Counsel heard in favour of the Bill against such Petitions.
§ Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.
§ Ordered, That Five be the quorum.