§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)inquired what course the Government intended to take with respect to the Vacant Ground (Nuisances Prevention) Bill?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)said, that the measure was really directed against certain transactions in connection with a particular graveyard near the Tottenham Court Road. The Government strongly reprobated the shocking character of the use to which the burial ground of Whitfield's Tabernacle had been put; but they felt that they could not interfere in the matter proposed in the Bill without giving compensation to the owners of the ground. The land had ceased to be used as a burial ground for many years. It had been leased, had reverted to the owner in fee, and had then been sold under an Order of the Court of Chancery. The parties to whom it now belonged desired to make use of the property. The Home Office having interfered to prevent the land from being built upon, the owners had resorted to the shocking expedient of permitting fairs to be held on the ground. The Government intended to enforce any existing law that was applicable to the case, and would inquire whether they could not put a stop to the exhibitions of which the burial ground was the scene by enforcing the provisions of the Open Spaces Act and the Disused Burial Grounds Act, 1884. But should the law fail to meet the case, they could not undertake to interfere with the rights of private property unless compensation were given. He thought that the hon. Member would agree with him that in these circumstances it would not be right to press this Bill upon the attention of the House.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the Committee stage of the Appropriation Bill be taken as the first Order of the Day on Monday?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURYes.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ House adjourned at a quarter after Eight o'clock till Monday next.