§ (4.44.) MR. COURTNEYI have some Amendments to move to the Standing Orders, in regard to which it is proper I should say a word or two. The first of the Amendments simply extends the provisions of the Standing Order which now refers to the schemes for making cemeteries or burial grounds, for making sewage farms, destructors, or hospitals for infectious diseases, and for works for the manufacture and conversion of residual products. The next Amendments provide that, in case of Bills which affect the delimitation of local areas, copies of the Bills shall be deposited with the Registrar General as well as certain other Authorities, in order that the Registrar General may know from time to time what alterations are proposed to be made in local areas. Then it is proposed that where streams of water are taken for public purposes, a continuous and uniform flow of water shall be reserved for the use of those at present interested in the 697 streams. Some difference of opinion may exist as to the next alterations in the Standing Order. Hon. Members know that now the promoters of Railway Bills are required to make certain deposits as security that the undertaking will be carried through. If the undertaking be not carried through within a certain time, the deposits may be forfeited, and go to the benefit of Her Majesty's Exchequer. These forfeitures are scarcely ever insisted upon. The promoters often come again to Parliament, and they go to the Exchequer to get a remission of the forfeiture, and, except in rare instances, the remissions are always made. The Department feel the burden of examining into these cases, and desire to be relieved of it. They wish that, instead of the forfeiture being insisted upon, a clause should be inserted in Railway Bills providing that if the undertaking is not carried through in the time specified, the sum deposited should be applied in satisfaction of any claims which may arise on the company in consequence of their compulsory powers, next to the satisfaction of any debts that may be owing, and next should be handed over by the High Court of Justice to persons interested in the deposit. There may be some difference of opinion as to the policy of this alteration; if there is, I will not object to the matter standing over for a few days for further consideration.
§ (4.50.) A number of Amendments made.