THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 284, 29 November 1881, Page 4

THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT.

In reply to tho toast of the House of Commons at the annual dinner of the Metropolitan Board of Works, the Speaker of the House said after the usual preliminary remarks : — I can report favourably of that great assemhly except in two particulars — late hoars and overwork. Now, it is satisfactory to know that the House of Commons has the remedy for these Bufferings in its own hands. Relief may be afforded by calling in aid the principle of self-government, and handing over to local au thorities a portion of the work which may be bettei discharged by local assemblies than by the Imperial Parliaments. I have often thought when occupying my distinguished office in the House that it was passing strange that whenever this great community (London) wan led to have better wnter or brighter light, to construct a bridge or make a road, or to do anything in the shape of carrying out those numerous matters required by the community, they must come to Parliament. Ido think the principle of local self-government should be carried out, so as to give communities further powers in the management of their own affairs. I have now had experience of nine parliaments and have observed that during the whole of these thirty years the work of the House has been constantly increasing; and I think it not likely to diminish. In every year that rolls by more work ib cast upon the House. The truth is, that our governors— the con sfi fancies

—read more, think more, and expect more of their members, and thus the work of the House is increased.