HC Deb 07 August 1893 vol 15 cc1424-5
SIR C. W. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, in reference to the Special Report from the Select Committee on Police and Sanitary Regulations Bills, whether, before issuing the Circular suggested by the Committee, and before asking the House to re-appoint the Committee in 1894, or in connection with that proposal, he will give the House the opportunity of re-considering the extent of interference with Municipal Corporations and their Bills, which has become habitual with the Committee, and in which a divergence of views exists between some Members of the House and the Department over which he presides?

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

The Committee on Police and Sanitary Re- gulations in Private Bills has been appointed unanimously for several years. The object of the appointment was to prevent Local Authorities from interfering with, altering, or repealing the general law of the land. This Committee has, in my opinion, rendered very great public service to Local Authorities, to ratepayers, and to the general public. As the Committee is appointed annually, it will be in the power of any Member to oppose such re-appointment next Session and to raise any objections.

SIR C. W. DILKE

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the question I put to him. Is nothing to be done towards carrying out the Special Report of the Committee before next year? That Report is in favour of the appointment of special officers and of the issue of a Circular.

* MR. H. H. FOWLER

I am not able to say whether anything will he done with reference to the appointment of a special officer. I will consider as to issuing a Circular. I think that may be necessary, in order to prevent people going to great expense in applying for Acts when their object may be secured by means of a Provisional Order.