LORD DE MAULEYrose to call the attention of the House to the expediency of supplying water to the metropolis from the superfluous water of the upper part of the Thames. The noble Lord was understood to say that he confined his observations altogether to the upper part of the Thames, because it appeared to him to be the natural store-house for the wants of the metropolis. That water-shed extended over 875 square miles, the supply it afforded was practically unlimited; the water was also of excellent quality. Under these circumstances, there was no excuse for the defective arrangements at present in force for supplying the inhabitants of London with that great necessary of life.
§ THE DUKE OF RICHMONDsaid, that Her Majesty's Government had regarded the subject as of sufficient importance to issue a Royal Commission in the early part of the year, and he had the honour to preside over the Commission, which was composed of four gentlemen who were perfectly competent to enter into the inquiry. The Commission had sat from time to time since February, and had examined a great number of scientific witnesses, but had not yet been able to draw up a Report, as it had been necessary to wait for the analysis of certain water collected in different parts of England, in consequence of schemes to draw water to London from Wales and elsewhere. The question of procuring a supply from the upper waters of the Thames had not been lost sight of, and in course of time he hoped that, after digesting the voluminous evidence which had been offered, embracing a good deal of scientific testimony, the Commission would be able to embody their opinions in a unanimous Report upon this important subject.