HL Deb 06 August 1883 vol 282 cc1614-5
LORD FORBES

, in calling attention to the drainage of London, said, he certainly believed that in Cavendish Square, where he lived, the drainage system was very objectionable. He was perfectly convinced that the system adopted in the Metropolis must be unsatisfactory. The drainage was conveyed to the sea, and at a certain time of the tide there was no exit for it, and all the gases were forced to escape through openings in the drains themselves. His attention had recently been called to a system of drainage, which appeared absolutely faultless in its working. Exhibits of it might be seen at the Fisheries Exhibition, and the Company were at that moment draining Aylesbury. He had no connection with the Company in question; but a relative of his was its Chairman, and had ex- plained the system to him. Immediately the drainage was received, it was conveyed into tanks, where it was treated with blood, carbon, and clay, and also with a certain compound of alum. After going through three tanks it flowed into the River Thames in the shape of water, pure and perfectly innocuous. The refuse also provided a useful manure. The Company were quite ready to drain any other towns; and lie did not see why the sewage of London should be conveyed away to poison the sea at Margate or elsewhere, when it could be satisfactorily disposed of in the manner he had described.

LORD THURLOW

said, he concurred in the importance of the question raised by the noble Lord. As, however, he had not received Notice of the matters to which he had referred, and had no previous knowledge of the system he had alluded to, he would not attempt to follow his remarks. He would, however, take care that the noble Lord's observations were brought to the knowledge of the proper authorities.

PETROLEUM BILL [H.L.]

Select Committee on: The Lords following were named of the Committee:
D. Somerset. L. Ramsay.
E. Milltown. L. Norton.
L. Monson
The Committee to meet this day, at One o'clock, and to appoint their own Chairman.

House adjourned at Six o'clock, till To-morrow, a quarter past Four o'clock