§ MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the promoters of the Metropolitan Pneumatic Despatch Bill are proceeding with the Bill, which was set down for consideration by a Select Committee on the 16th inst.; and, in these circumstances, what course he proposes to take to give effect to his views in regard to the Bill.
§ THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY, Lancashire, Westhoughton)The Pneumatic Despatch Bill having been read a second time, it is open to the promoters to proceed with it before a Select Committee. I understand that it will be opposed by the London County Council and the Corporation; and I have informed the promoters that I must reserve my liberty of action on the Third Reading, if the Bill is reported by the Committee. The course to be taken would naturally depend upon the form in which the Bill was reported by the Committee; but if the local authorities above-named oppose the Bill on the Third Reading, I should feel it my duty to support them.