§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, & c.,)asked the hon. Member for the Knutsford Division of Cheshire, as representing the Metropolitan Board of Works, Whether the Board propose to remove the church called St. Mary-le-Strand, which so much blocks the way in the Strand, and is understood to be in a dangerous condition? And also a further Question in regard to the payment of compensation.
§ MR. TATTON EGERTON (Cheshire, Knutsford), in reply, said, that the only action that the Board had taken with regard to the church referred to had been to serve a danger notice on the rector and churchwardens based on the report of the district surveyor, to render the building safe. Some few years ago, several schemes were under the consideration of the Board for widening the Strand at this point, and forming a now communication with Holborn; but no particular plan had been decided upon, and, owing to financial considerations, no action had been taken on the proposals. The Board were not in possession of any facts with regard to the numbers of persons who used the church; and as to the Board making any compensation in the event of the church being done away with, that was rather a matter which would be dealt with in any proposal for widening the Strand.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked, whether it had been considered that, if money was expended in repairing the church, it would be less likely that it would be acquired for widening the street.
§ MR. TATTON EGERTONsaid, the question bad only been considered generally in the way he had stated in connection with, schemes for widening the Strand.