HL Deb 19 May 1881 vol 261 c783

(The Lord Monteagle.)

COMMITTEE.

House in Committee (according to Order).

Clauses 1 to 4, inclusive, agreed to.

Clause 5 (Regulations as to speed of locomotives on tramways).

THE DUKE or RICHMOND AND GORDON

wished to draw attention to the fact that, while the width of road on which tramways might be constructed was reduced from 25 feet to 18 feet, the cars were authorized to run at a speed of 10 miles per hour. It seemed to him that there was no necessity for such a speed, and that it could not be unattended with danger to the public.

LORD MONTEAGLE

observed, that in regard to tramways in the neighbourhood of London, similar to those sought to be authorized by the Bill, a speed of 10 miles an hour had been agreed to by Parliament. The tramways were to be constructed in country districts; but even in the case of cities, such as Bristol, a speed of eight miles through busy streets had been sanctioned.

THE EARL OF CARNARVON

thought that oven in country districts 10 miles an hour was too high a rate of speed.

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

said, he could not concur in that opinion, and hoped their Lordships would not adopt the over-cautious view of the noble Duke.

THE EARL OF COURTOWN ,

in supporting the clause, said, that the consent of the Grand Juries of the counties in which the tramways were to be constructed was required; and they were well acquainted with the roads and with the nature of the traffic which might be expected to be carried over them.

Clause agreed to.

Remaining Clauses agreed to, with Amendments: The Report thereof to be received on Tuesday next.