HC Deb 13 April 1893 vol 11 cc301-2

Bill, as amended, considered.

*MR. BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)

said that Clause 5 appeared to him to be in contradiction to the rest of the Bill. It was, of course, put in before the Amendments were inserted, and, no doubt, as the Bill was originally framed, it was a very proper provision. The Bill provided that if barbed wire was so placed as to be dangerous to persons or animals using the highway it ought to be removed. If it was not dangerous, no one had a right to ask for its removal. But this Clause provided that the wire could not be removed, whether it was dangerous or not. He did not like to ask that the Clause might be left out altogether, but he would ask the House to agree to add after the word "fixed" the words "at a height of not less than six feet from the ground."

Amendment proposed in page 2, line 8, after the word "fixed" to insert the words "at a height not less than six feet from the ground."—(Mr. Brunner.)

Question proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. H. FOWLER,) Wolverhampton, E.

said the hon. Member had put him in a difficulty in the matter by having given no notice of the Amendment. The Clause in question was proposed by one of the hon. Members for London, who was not present to-night. The Clause had reference to fences in the neighbourhood of London. He (Mr. H. H. Fowler) did not say there was no force in the statement of the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Brunner); but it would hardly be right to make the proposed alteration in the absence of the hon. Member who was responsible for the Clause. He would suggest that the Debate should be adjourned.

*MR. A. C. MORTON (Peterborough)

said, that he personally agreed with the proposed Amendment, but he had seen the hon. Gentleman the Member for the Borough of Wandsworth during the day, and found that he would not agree to it. He (Mr. Morton) therefore appealed to his hon. Friend (Mr. Brunner) to withdraw it rather than delay the passing of the Bill. The proposed addition to the clause would improve it, but it was not absolutely necessary.

MR. BRUNNER

said, that as there would be an opportunity of getting the Amendment inserted in another place he would now withdraw it.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill read the third time, and passed.