HL Deb 24 July 1845 vol 82 cc1025-6
The Duke of Richmond

presented petitions from the promoters of the Guildford, Chichester, and Portsmouth Junction Railway Bill, complaining that they had not been allowed a hearing by the Select Committee of their Lordships' House, now sitting on the Portsmouth Railway projects. There had been three Bills referred to one Committee; and the petitioners complained that they were not allowed by the Committee to be heard against the Atmospheric, or Direct Portsmouth Line. He begged to move that the petition be referred to the Committee for consideration.

The Earl of Hardwicke

said, the Committee were anxious to discuss the case in all its bearings, and with the most mature deliberation; but having found a clause in one of the Bills consenting to a junction between the petitioners' line and another line, the Committee felt that they had no alternative but to act as they had done; as otherwise they would be permitting the petitioners to oppose what might be regarded as their own line.

Lord Brougham

said, he thought the House ought to feel great delicacy in interfering with any of their Committees, while the inquiries which those Committees were delegated to make were still pending. But after the Report of a Committee was presented, it would, of course, be quite open to any noble Lord to bring forward a Motion on the subject of the manner in which that Committee had discharged its duties, and to require that the Report be sent back for reconsideration.

The Earl of Ellenborough

said, he had intended to express the precise opinion which had fallen from his noble and learned Friend. He did not think any discussion should take place on the subject of the petition, until the Committee had made their Report.

The Duke of Richmond

said, he had only moved that the petition be referred to the Committee. He felt so strongly on the necessity of no party being decided against without a hearing, that he would be under the necessity of moving that the Report be recommitted, should the Committee persevere in not permitting the petitioners to be heard.

Petitions read, and referred to the Select Committee on the Bills, but without leave to be heard.

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