HC Deb 28 April 1904 vol 133 cc1506-7

[THIRD READING.]

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a third time."

MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)

, on the Motion for the Third Reading of this Bill, said he was glad to be able not to ask the House to divide on this question. At a previous stage it was his duty to move a new clause to compel the railway company to carry out its Parliamentary bargain to create subways in the crowded area of the Elephant and Castle. His Besolution was rejected by a majority of ten. The Chairman of Committees was good enough to repeat in the House what he had said to the parties in his own room, that he thought this was a case for compromise. Since the division an interview had been arranged between Mr. Yerkes, a representative of the company, and himself, and the result was that a satisfactory arrangement had been come to between the company and the corporation of Southwark. Mr. Yerkes did not admit his legal liability, but at the same time desired to act honourably and liberally towards the corporation. He said he should like to do something towards the construction of subways. The estimate on one side was £15,000 and on the other £10,000, and so he suggested £12,000 would probably be the price they would cost to construct, and he was prepared to give half that amount. A satisfactory arrangement had been come to. The terms were that the company should contribute £6,000 towards the subways at the Elephant and Castle, the council to find the remainder of the money necessary. This was to be carried out by the insertion of a clause in the Bill which was to be introduced in the House of Lords. The borough council was to be empowered to construct the subway and borrow the necessary additional money. At present the borough council had not power to do this. On the other hand, the company agreed not to construct the underground station at the Elephant and Castle referred to in the Act. He hoped the Chairman of Committees would facilitate the arrangement being carried through. If this clause found its way into an Act, it was the intention of the Corporation to commence the construction of these subways at once.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (Mr. J. W. LOWTHER,) Cumberland, Penrith

congratulated the parties on the arrangement they had come to. All he had to do was to play the part of [the heavy father in the comedy and say, "Bless you, my children."