HC Deb 28 July 1897 vol 51 cc1380-1

For the purposes referred to in Section three of the Metropolitan Police Act 1886, as amended by Section two of the Metropolitan Police Act 1887, the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District may, under and in accordance with those sections, borrow further sums not exceeding in the aggregate two hundred and fifty thousand pounds.

Question proposed, "That the clause stand part of the Bill."

MR. T. M. HEALY

asked why the Metropolitan Police should obtain any special borrowing powers? He did not know that the Metropolitan Police were gasping for this Bill, or see any reason why the Committee, late on a Wednesday afternoon, should spend its time over it. He moved to report progress.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

hoped the hon. and learned Member would not press his Motion. He would not go into the general question of Irish legislation or the way it was treated by the Government, but he would remind the hon. Member that a good deal of next Session had already been mortgaged for Irish affairs. This Bill was a small, very necessary Bill on which no controversy arose, and he hoped the hon. Member would not oppose it simply because some other Bill in which he was interested had not been proceeded with.

Motion negatived.

MR. LOUGH

said that under Clause 1 the Receiver of the Metropolitan Police would have power to borrow £750,000. Why was it necessary he should have that power?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS),) Birmingham Bordesley

explained that a large sum was necessary for structural alterations and improvements at various of the London police stations and police courts, in connection with the building of New Scotland-yard, and other purposes.

MR. LOUGH

asked that a Return should be laid before Parliament of the sums borrowed from time to time under the Bill.

MR. ASQUITH

urged that a Return should be laid before Parliament of the sums borrowed, and showing how they had been allocated. It was very necessary that the work contemplated in connection with the Bill should be carried out.

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

said the Return desired should be presented.

Bill reported without amendment; read the Third Time, and passed.