On Tuesday the most important points that came up for
discussion were the transfer of powers from the County Council to, and the power of promoting Bills conferred on, the Borough Councils. In regard to the former Mr. Balfour, in answer to objections by Messrs. PickersgiR and Buxton, agreed to omit four sub-sections relating to the transfer of powers by agreement, and to substitute the following pro- vision:--" The Local Government Board may, if it thinks fit, on the application of the London County Council and of the majority of the Borough Councils, make a provisional order for transferring to all the Borough Councils any power exercisable by the County Council, or for transferring to the County Council any power exercisable by the Borough Councils." Clause 6, which delimits the administration of the Building Acts by the County Council and Borough Councils respectively, having been bodily withdrawn, and certain con- cessions made in regard to the maintenance of main roads by Borough Councils, Mr. Balfour resisted the amendments pro- posed, with a view to withholding or limiting the new Councils' power to promote Bills in Parliament, by Sir Charles Dilke and Mr. Stuart respectively. We note with great satis- faction that on the same day Mr. Balfour informed Mr. Robson that in response to the memorial signed by three hundred and ten Members from all parts of the House, the Government had consented to keep open a day for the Committee discussion of the Half-timers Bill. The provisions of Mr. Robson's Bill are so simple that there is at least a reasonable prospect of its passing through Committee in the five hours now set free for its discussion.
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