§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Brodrick.)
§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)The gist of this Bill is to extinguish an immemorial right of way through some fields which are at present a picturesque resort of the people of Waltham Abbey, as well as the best means of communication between two points. Of recent years, at all events, this House has manifested the greatest possible interest in the preservation of open spaces and public parks; and, therefore, I think it will scrutinize this Bill with great jealousy. No doubt the Government will rely upon the Report of a Select Committee which sat upon this Bill last year. I dissented from the conclusion of that Committee, and even taking the decision of the Committee as 449 it stands, what does it amount to? It amounts to this, that the Committee found that assuming that upon the fields to which I have referred a gunpowder factory is to be erected, this park cannot continue to exist with any regard to the public safety, and the Government knew before they purchased this land that there was a right of way through it, and now they come to the House and ask us to take away an immemorial right. An effectual stop should be put upon proceedings of this kind. The law has provided a tribunal before which questions of right of way are to be tried, and it further provides that if anyone desires to close a public path, he should obtain the certificate of two Justices, which certificate shall be confirmed at Quarter Sessions. The Government originally proposed to go to Quarter Sessions, but subsequently, when opposition was manifested, and it was known that those who object to the closing of this path would be professionally represented at Quarter Sessions, they abandoned that mode of proceeding and have now come to the House. Up to a few moments ago it was quite my intention to challenge a Division upon this question by way of protest, but I am very much interested in a Bill which stands lower down on the Paper, the progress of which has already been somewhat impeded, and I am not anxious to join in stopping the progress of that Bill further. It may be to the convenience of the House that I should not challenge a Division now, but I will do so upon the Third Reading.
Question put, and agreed to.
Bill read 2a and committed to a Select Committee of seven Members, four to be nominated by the House, and three by the Committee of Selection.
Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill presented three clear days before the meeting of the Committee be referred to the Committee; that the Petitioners praying to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or agents, be heard against the Bill, and Counsel heard in support of the Bill.Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.Ordered, That three be the quorum.