HC Deb 05 August 1903 vol 126 cc1709-12

(Considered in Committee.)

(In the Committee.)

[Mr. J. W. LOWTHER (Cumberland, Penrith, in the Chair.]

Clause 1.

Amendment proposed— In page 1, line 6, after the word 'may,' to insert the words 'upon the application of a railway company.'"—(Mr. Loder.)

Amendment agreed to.

ME. J. H. LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)

said he wished to know if precautions would be inserted in these Orders to prevent railway companies from seeming the control of existing electrical companies, by purchasing the majority of the shares and working them for their own benefit. They had seen many instances where railway companies had absorbed other undertakings to the disadvantage of the general public. He hoped the Board of Trade, in framing these Orders, would carefully bear that point in mind.

Amendment proposed— In page 1, to leave out lines 22 to 21, in clusive."—(Mr. J. H Lewis.)

Question proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the clause."

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BONAR LAW Glasgow, Blackfriars)

said this matter had been brought to the notice of the Board of Trade, and they were doing their best to see that the interests of the public would be safeguarded.

MR. J. H. LEWIS

said he was satisfied with the hon. Member's reply, and he would ask leave to withdraw his Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause 1, as amended, agreed to

Clause 2.

Amendment proposed— In page 2, line 17, after the ward 'Committee,' to insert the words 'or if the two Houses of Parliament think fit so to order to a Joint Committee of those Houses.'"—(Mr. Calswell.)

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 2, as amended, agreed to.

Clause 3 withdrawn.

Clause 4.

Amendment proposed— In page 2, line 41, after the word 'made,' to insert the words 'by the Council of any County, any local authority, or other person.'"—(Mr. Gerald Balfour.)

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment proposed— In page 3, line 2, at end of line, to insert the words 'and if after consideration the Board decide that the objection should be upheld, the Board shall not make the Order or shall modify the Order so as to remove the objection.'"—(Mr. Gerald Balfour.)

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 4, as amended, agreed to.

Clause 5.

MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)

said he had several times referred to the rules of the Board of Trade, but the Department did not appear to be willing to grant to railway companies powers for establishing high voltage current.

MR. BONAR LAW

said the Board of Trade certainly did not desire to put any obstacles in the way, and they were doing all they could in the direction indicated by the hon. Member consistent with the convenience of the public.

Clause 5 agreed to.

Clause 6.

Amendment proposed— In page 3, line 25, to leave out the word 'Commission,' and insert the words 'and Canal Commissioners.'"—(Mr. Gerald Balfour.)

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 6, as amended, agreed to.

Clause 7 agreed to.

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