HL Deb 19 March 1818 vol 37 cc1180-1

On the third reading of the Bath Gas Light bill,

The Earl of Lauderdale

observed, that the companies established for furnishing light by means of gas, appeared to him not to pay sufficient attention to the purification of the gas. He had observed instances of this nature of gross neglect. The tubes through which the gas was conveyed became foul in consequence, and if whilst the evil was not remedied gas lighting was allowed to become general, not only the light famished would be much deteriorated, but infinite danger would arise to the inhabitants of places where the gas was used.

The Earl of Shaftesbury

stated, that in every bill of this description a clause was inserted rendering the company liable to be indicted for a nuisance.

The Lord Chancellor

said, the best way would be to dissolve the corporation if found guilty of a nuisance.

The bill was read a third time and passed.—Both Houses adjourned to Thursday the 2nd of April.