§ MR. BIGWOOD (Middlesex, Brent, ford)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the deplorable condition of the River Thames between Teddington and Isleworth; and, whether he is prepared to use his influence in assisting the measures for improvement which the inhabitants of the district are desirous of effecting towards the maintenance of this important highway and recreation district of the Metropolis?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)I have not received any complaints this year as to the state of the part of the River 1703 Thames referred to in my hon. Friend's Question. I have been furnished with. a Report from the assistant engineer to the Thames Conservators, who states that the expression "deplorable condition" cannot apply to the roaches between Teddington and Richmond, which have been, recently improved by the Conservators, and is a very exaggerated description of the reach from Richmond to Isleworth. He attributes the present state of this part of the River to the long continued and very exceptional drought. I do not know what are the measures of improvement to which my hon. Friend alludes. The assistant engineer to the Conservators says that the works which have been carried out by them have removed the whole of the shoals on the Surrey side between Teddington Lock and Richmond Bridge, and on the Middlesex side between the lock and Orleans House; that dredgers and a large staff of men are at work continuing the improvements downwards; and that the section of river below Richmond Bridge will be taken in hand immediately. The expenditure incurred on these works up to the 30th of June last is stated to be £15,950, in addition to £21,000 previously expended upon the improvement of the navigation channel.