RESOLUTION. (Hansard, 20 June 1894)

§ *SIR C. W. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

gave notice of his intention to move au Instruction on a future day with regard to this Bill, which might or might not be in Order. This Bill concerned, among other matters, the district surveyors of London. This was one of the most important questions in connection with the London streets and buildings that could be raised. The district surveyors were at the present moment, when once appointed, under really nobody's control. They were paid by means of fees, and there had been certain accusations of jobbery made in some cases regarding them, which made it desirable that they should be under closer control than could be exercised at the present moment by the Local Authorities. The matter was the subject of a Petition by the Committee. No objection was taken until the subject was actually mentioned in Committee, and he was informed that the Chairman then ruled the matter was outside the powers of the Committee. He thought there must be some misconception on this point, because notice was given that the Bill directly raised the point. The notice, which appeared in The London Gazette of the 21st of November, 1893, page 6685, expressly raised this point. It said— Surveyors to be appointed. Control and dismissal of district surveyors, whether appointed previously to or after the commencement of the intended Act. Qualifications of district surveyors, notice to them, fees and salaries of district surveyors, &c. It would seem, therefore, that the matter 1546 was in Order and within the power of the Committee, and he had wished to ask that day from the Chairman of the Committee— who, however, was not present—whether it was his view that the matter was outside the powers of the Committee, although notice had been given and the matter had passed the Referee? If it was within the powers of the Committee it would not be competent for him to move the Instruction; but if not within the powers of the Committee, then the matter could probably be dealt with by means of an Instruction. As the Chairman of the Committee was not here, perhaps the best course would be for him (Sir C. Dilke) to give notice of his intention to move the Instruction on a future day.