HC Deb 15 June 1911 vol 26 cc1772-3
Mr. MORRELL

I propose to amend the Instruction which appears upon the Paper by adding certain words, and to move it in the following form, "That it be an Instruction to the Committee on the Corporation of London (Bridges) (re-committed) Bill not to agree to any scheme for the construction of the proposed new bridge, including the approaches thereto, until they are satisfied that the scheme, both in respect of architectural design and convenience to traffic is the one best adapted to the public needs and to the character of the site."

I believe this Instruction will be accepted by the hon. Member for Rochester (Mr. Lamb) on behalf of the City Corporation. We are most anxious that there shall be no further dispute in this matter. We understand that the City Corporation are prepared to consult some leading architect with a view if possible of getting a scheme more in harmony with public opinion and especially with the opinion of the best architects of the day. On, this ground I have great pleasure in moving the Instruction which stands in my name.

Sir F. BANBURY

seconded the Instruction.

Mr. BOOTH

I have to move an Amendment which, however, is not antagonistic to the Instruction, although it will enable it to read more grammatically. I desire to move to insert in the last sentence of the Instruction after the words "needs and" the words "best suited." I want the last sentence to read "is the one best adapted to the public needs and best suited to the character of the site."

Mr. MORTON

I beg to Second that Amendment.

Question: "That those words be inserted in the proposed Instruction" put, and agreed to.

Question proposed, "That it be an instruction to the Committee on the Corporation of London (Bridges) (re-committed) Bill not to agree to any scheme for the construction of the proposed new bridge, including the approaches thereto, until they are satisfied that the scheme, both in respect of architectural design and convenience of traffic, is the one best adapted to the public needs and best suited to the character of the site."

Mr. MORTON

I only wish to say that I am authorised to state, on the part of the Corporation, that they undertake to call in an independent architect of repute to advise.