31 JANUARY 1846, Page 2

The present interest in other Parliamentary matters, however important they

may be in themselves, is entirely absorbed in the consideration of the Ministerial position and policy. Both Houses, at the instance of Government, have referred to Select Committees the difficult question, what to do with the eight hundred Railway Bills before the Legislature. The objects in doing so are—to postpone the mass of private legislation until

• some way shall have been made with the great measure ; to avoid in the discussion of that the additional asperity which the -conflict of special interests is sure to arouse ; and to let the enormous number of bills be sifted down to a number practicable for legislation and safe for the public investment.

Lord Ashley has introduced a Ten Hours Bill for "young per- eons"; but with no prospect of going further than the first stage.

These are the only things worth mention.