§ MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the information lately given by the Metropolitan Board of Works respecting the dangerous condition of St. Mary-le-Strand, and to the great public improvement and safety which would be effected by the removal of the church, the Government would be disposed to introduce a short Bill, before the Prorogation of Parliament, authorizing such removal, in the event of the Patron and Incumbent, the Vestry, and the Board of Works, and any other parties properly to be consulted, considering it expedient; and, whether he is aware that the worshippers in the church are very few, and could be easily accommodated in any of the churches in the immediate neighbourhood?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)Full information as to the present condition of the church of St. Mary-le-Strand was given to my hon. Friend on Monday last; and 493 he was informed that, though the Metropolitan Board of Works had considered the suggestion as to the removal of the church, they were not in a position at present to act upon the proposal. It is not the duty of Her Majesty's Government to introduce Bills relative to Metropolitan improvements; and I am unable, therefore, to give my hon. Friend any hopes of the Government taking any steps in the matter.