§ MR. HENRY GREEN (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)asked the Chairman of the Metroplitan Board of Works, Whether it is a fact that, during the past fifteen years, there have been frequent overflows of sewage matter into many of the houses on the Isle of Dogs; and, whether, notwithstanding the oft-repeated complaints made by the sufferers through the local Poplar Board of Works, as well as to the Metropolitan Board of Works, nothing has yet been done to effectually abate this dangerous nuisance?
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGG (Middlesex, Hornsey)I am sorry to say, in reply to the hon. Member, that for several years past the basements in the Isle of Dogs have been subject to occasional flooding during excessive rainstorms upon a flood tide; but the Metropolitan Board are now taking measures for the erection of a pumping station in the Island, and have accepted a tender for the engines required. The station would have been commenced before this but for the difficulty experienced in acquiring land for the purpose, to do which it was necessary, after the failure of negotiations, to obtain the Home Secretary's consent to compulsory purchase, in accordance with the powers given by Parliament to the Board.