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the respective mains and works of the several Companies,
and to authorise the Local Government Board
in case of drought or expected drought, or of accident
or emergency, to require the taking temporarily of such
quantity of water from the River Thames or its tributaries
as might be necessary for preventing or remedying
a deficient supply of water within the district of any of
the Companies. The Board did not approve of the Bill,
but no steps were taken by them in the matter, and in
view of the introduction by Government of the Metropolis
Water Bill, it was withdrawn.
metropolis water. This Bill was introduced by Mr. Harry S.
Samuel, M.P. It provides that within
three months of the passing of the Act the Metropolitan
Water Companies shall make such junctions of
their mains as may seem to the Local Government
Board to be necessary for the effective supply of water
by any one Company to another ; and enables the Local
Government Board to enquire into the quality, quantity,
and pressure of the water, and in case of emergency to
require any Metropolitan Water Company to supply
water to any other Water Company upon such terms
and conditions as may be agreed, or in default of agreement,
as the Local Government Board may prescribe.
The Board petitioned in favour of the Bill, but the
Government having dealt with the question, it was not
proceeded with.
National Telephone Company sBills These three Bills were promoted by the
National Telephone Company, Limited,
object of obtaining powers with
regard to the opening of roads, &c., which the Company
does not at present possess. The Board were of
opinion that the Board would be prejudiced by the
Bills, and they therefore opposed the Bills. The Telegraph
Act, 1892 (Amendment) Bill was not proceeded