§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I rise to move that all Private Bills to which the Standing Order No. 38. applies be circulated on their introduction in the same manner as Public Bills. I think the Private Business of your Lordships' House is a matter of considerable public interest. In the recent discussions that have taken place with respect to the housing of the poor in the Metropolis and other populous places, it has been stated that the evils of overcrowding have been greatly caused by the clearances which are the result of large public works, especially railways. These public works are usually authorized by Private Bills that pass through Parliament. According to the Private Bill Standing Orders of this House it is necessary, whenever a Private Bill proposes to destroy and take compulsorily the dwellings of a certain number of people, that there should be stated and circulated the mode in which the undertakers propose to supply the place of these houses that have been destroyed. But it has been indicated to us in evidence, and there are grounds for believing it, that these precautions are imperfectly taken. Undoubtedly, the overcrowding of the poor has been very largely increased and intensified by the operation of Private Bill legislation in tins House. I ask your Lordships that Bills which have this character, and the object of which is to clear away a certain number of working men's dwellings, should be submitted to the judgment of 155 the House, and that they should be circulated as Public Bills are. Every Public Bill, whether important or not, is sent round to noble Lords generally; whereas a Private Bill, on which the; welfare of a considerable population may hang, was lodged in the Private Bill Office, and was seen by only a few noble Peers who are employed on the Private Bill Committee. I am told that it may be expensive; but that seems to me to be a reason which is wholly exaggerated, because when a Bill is once in type there will be very little extra cost in printing 200 or 300 more copies. I trust, therefore, no objection will be made on the score of expense.
§ Moved,"That all Private Bills to which Standing Order No. 38. applies be circulated, on their introduction, in the same manner as Public Bills."—(The Marquess of Salisbury.)
§ THE EARL OF REDESDALE (CHAIRMAN of COMMITTEES)was understood to oppose the Motion on the ground that the printing and circulating of Private Bills to all Members of their Lordships' House would be a very considerable additional expense to the parties concerned in promoting large undertakings and improvements.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Ordered, That all Private Bills to which Standing Order No. 38. applies be circulated, on their introduction, in the same manner as Public Bills.
§ House adjourned at Five o'clock, to Thursday next, a quarter-past Ten o'clock