HC Deb 03 March 1892 vol 1 cc1884-5 The Sanitary Authority may, subject to the same provisions and with the same powers as apply to the provision of the plot in the first instance, increase the plot attached to any existing cottage provided under the said Acts, but so, nevertheless, that the whole plot shall not exceed an acre,—(Mr. Knox.)

Clause read a second time.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause be added to the Bill."—(Dr. Tanner.)

MR. SEXTON () Belfast, W.

I hope the Government will not object to giving the Sanitary Authorities the same power in relation to cottages already in existence as is by this Bill conferred for erections in the future, where a Board of Guardians may see fit to exercise it. I think it is not advisable to set up such a distinction between labourers as, without this clause, must exist.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.

I am afraid it is quite impossible to agree to the proposal to apply this to the cottages already erected. There would be great difficulty in acquiring the land even if it were desirable to do so. So far as the Bill goes, I do not see there is any objection to the Sanitary Authority having the power to extend the quantity of land to an acre in future, but I am not prepared to extend that power.

MR. SEXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it would be possible to allow the half acre to be added, even though it may not adjoin the existing plot? Would it not be possible for the Guardians to allow a division of the acre, half an acre being elsewhere but in the vicinity?

MR. JACKSON

I cannot give any pledge of the kind. I can see it would be extremely difficult to work a plan under which half the land might be at a considerable distance from the cottage.

DR. TANNER

I saw many instances last year to which this clause might, with great assistance to labourers, be applied. I hope it may be possible for the right hon. Gentleman on Report to agree to such clause in some form.

MR. CONYBEARE () Cornwall, Camborne

It is no uncommon thing in England to have allotment grounds at a considerable distance from the cottages, and I cannot see where the difficulty would arise in the present case. I quite admit it would be difficult to get possession of ground immediately adjoining a cottage, but it might be obtained within a reasonable distance. If the right hon. Gentleman can see nothing beyond a technical objection, I think it would be more gracious to undertake to consider the point.

MR. SEXTON

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will re-consider it, and whether it is wise to create two classes of allotments in this way.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill reported, as amended; to be considered to-morrow.

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