THIRD READING. (Hansard, 6 April 1887)

§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)
I mentioned yesterday that this Bill was being pushed through the House in a questionable manner—at an entirely unnecessary rate of speed. It is a Bill to authorize the construction of a bridge over the River Lagan in Belfast, and there seems to be a pretty general feeling in that town that the occasion of the construction of the bridge should be made use of for the purification of the river, which at present is a considerable nuisance and a standing danger to public health. I am not fully informed as to the circumstances, as it has been the practice of the Town Council of Belfast to abstain from consulting the ratepayers or the Parliamentary Representatives of the town in regard to matters of legislation. That system, no doubt, has had considerable attractions hitherto; but if it is continued any longer I can promise the members of the Corporation that in future it will be found extremely troublesome. The hon. Gentleman the Member for East Belfast (Mr. De Cobain) has been good enough to say that he will ascertain the facts when he goes to Belfast, and will immediately communicate with me on the subject. In order to give time for this, I beg to move that the third reading of the Bill be postponed until Friday week.

§ MR. EWART (Belfast, N.)
I do not object to the adjournment of the debate. I think the charge the hon. Gentleman has made against the Town Council of Belfast is wholly unwarranted. The bridge is a public necessity, and I am sorry that one of the Members for Belfast should again be interfering with the public good of the town.

§ MR. SEXTON
I would say, in explanation, that the charge I make is perfectly true. I am one of the Representatives of Belfast, and the Town Council have not done me the honour to make any representation to me on the subject.