HC Deb 17 April 1890 vol 343 c684
MR. THOMAS HENRY BOLTON (St. Pancras, N.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government will consent to the appointment of the proposed Select Committee, with reference to "The tramways Act, 1870," provided the inquiry contemplated is restricted to the tramways in the Metropolis and the neighbouring districts, and that it is understood that any legislation recommended by the Committee shall be of a metropolitan character?

*SIR M. HICKS BEACH

I am not aware of any sufficient reason why the tramways in the Metropolis and the neighbouring districts should be dealt with separately from tramways in other parts of the United Kingdom.

*MR. T. H. BOLTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the fact that next year the valuable rights of the people of London will be insufficiently provided for if there is no legislation in the meantime?

*SIR M. HICKS BEACH

I am not aware that there is any absolute necessity for immediate legislation.

*MR. T. H. BOLTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiry to be made? Both the London County Council and the Tramway Companies see the necessity for legislation in the matter.

*SIR M. HICKS BEACH

The Tramway Companies look at the matter from quite another point of view. They want advantages for themselves of another kind.