§ MR. STANLEY LEIGHTONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing number of reservoirs and waterworks now being built in this country, and of the danger to life and property resulting from any insufficient construction of the retaining walls, the Government will take steps to provide some system of inspection similar to that now in force with regard to railroads?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir M. HICKS BEACH, Bristol, W.)There might be danger to life and property if such works as are referred to in the question were improperly constructed; but it seems to me that such danger would be local in its origin and effects, and wholly different in its nature from the danger possible from the improper construction or administration of railways. If it were deemed necessary that there should be statutory inspection of such works, I think it should be conducted by officers of the County Council, rather than by those of a Department of the State.