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[Copy.]
METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.
Spring Gardens,
1st August, 1870.
Dear Sir,
You are doubtless aware that it was determined by the House
of Commons to refer the Municipal Boroughs (Metropolis) Bill to a
Select Committee, and it was supposed that a similar course would
probably be adopted with regard to the two other Bills introduced by
Mr. Buxton, viz., the Corporation of London Bill and the County
of London Bill. The last two Bills have however been withdrawn from
the consideration of Parliament for this Session, and there is therefore
no probability of any enquiry before a Select Committee taking place
this year.
The Government have, however, determined to take the
subject into consideration, and the Home Secretary, on the occasion of the
interview which the Board had with him some weeks ago, expressed a
wish that the Board should assist the Government by presenting to them
the result of thoir experience with regard to the Local Government
of the Metropolis since the Act of 1855 came into operation, with a view
to enable them to consider how the present system has workod, and
what improvements appear to be called for.
It has occured to the Board's Parliamentary Committee that
it would be useful to show what the Board and the various Vestries
and District Boards have effected in the way of Sanitary and street
improvements during the period of their existence, and by this means to
rebut the allegations that have been freely made as to want of energy on
the part of the Local Authorities of tho Metropolis, and indifference to the
interests entrusted to them. For this purpose, I am directed to request
that you will bo good enough to answer tho questions on the accompanying
paper, and return the same to mo at your early convenience.
I am, Doar sir,
Yours faithfully,
JOHN POLLARD,
Clerk of the Board.
ROBERT PAGET, Esq.,
Vestry Clerk, Clerkenwell.