The Sun.
London, England, 1849-07-12 00:00:00

COMMISSIONERS OF DEPARTMENT OF
CUSTOMS.

Mr. THORNELY rose to ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, whether any reports have been made by the
Commissioners for inquiring into the management of the
Department of Customs; and, if such reports have been
made, whether the Government will, in consequence, be
able to effect any material saving in the cost of collecting
the revenue of Customs; and whether the inquiries of
the Commissioners are still proceeding.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that some time ago a report had been presented, and in
consequence of which a saving had been effected of
160,0001. ; a report was now being made by which it was
expectfd that 10,0001. more would be saved, and further
inquiries would be made, from which it was anticipated
further reductions would be made.
ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH AND THE
CHOLERA.

Mr. BERNAL rose to call the attention of the Secre-
tary of State to the fact, that while the cholera was
advancing with great rapidity, the Members of that
House were assailed by several nuisances which
existed about the House, and particularly by the
smell arising from the vaults of St. Margaret's
church, which were often so ove:powering that the
Memle..rs of Committees were obliged to close their
windows. He would also advert to the state of sewer-
age, which, after all their expensve measures, was sO
bad in his own neighbourhood,,a mile from the House,
that he had often been obliged to close his window.
Sir G. GREY said that all the powers which were
vested in the Board of Health were being used to clear
away such causes of complaint, and he himself, when
he had his attention called to such subjects, always
communicated with the Board of Health or to the police.
Mr. GOULBURN inquired whether a treaty which
had been stated to be pending on the part of the church-
wardens of St. Margaret's, fur a burying ground, had
been completed?

Sir G. GREY said he was not able to inform the
Right Hon. Gentleman.
Lord ASHLEY said that the Board of Health had
no jurisdiction to interfere, except where the cholera had
broken out. They had no puwer to do anything ter the
permanent removal of disease. Ile admitted that the pre.
sent state of the metropolis was bad enough, but not
anything like what had been represented by his Hon.
Friend to his left (Mr. Bernal). There could be no
doubt that the cholera was spreading rapidly in the
metropolis, and unless something was done no one could
tell what would be the consequences.
Viscount EBRINGTON said that many of the nui-
sances in the neighbourhood of the House bad been
removed, and the drains under it were in a healthy state;
but the exhalations from St. Margaret's Churchyard,
which it was stated affected parts of the House, it was
impossible for. the Conamieszonere of Sewers to keep out.
Mr. HENLEY wished' to ask the Noble Lord at the
head of the Government whether, when the Health of
Towns Bill was brought in, he and those who supported
him were not the cause of the Metropolis being left out
of the provisions of that Bill ?

Lord JOHN RUSSELL said it was thought necessary
by his Noble Friend at the head of the Woods and
Forests, that a separate Bill should be brought in for the
metropolis. He had spoken to bis Noble Friehd with
respect to the iniroductiLn of that Bill, and he bad
told him that he thought it would not be desirable till
the Commissioners of Sewers had proceeded further to
bring in the Bill.
QUARANTINE LAWS.

Mr. HUME wished to know from the Noble Lord
at the bead,,of the Foreign Department, whether
any attempt had been wade by the Government
to obtain from foreign powers an alteration in the qua-
rantine laws, which so greatly affected the commerce of
the country; and also, whether there was any intention
on the part of the Government, after the report of the
African Committee, to remove the squadron on the
coast of Africa?

Lord PALMERSTON said he had bad communica-
tions with some of the foreign Powers, as to some
regulation being made with respect to the quarantine-
laws, and when be got their replies they should be
communicated to the House. With respect to the other
question, there was no intention on the part of the
Governatunt to remove the squadron.
HUNGARY.
Mr. B. OSBORNE wished to know if the Govern-
ment had received tiny information of the advance of the
Russian troops into Transylvania?
Lord PALMERSTON said the Government had re-
ceived information of the advance of the Russians into
Transylvania, and of their having got possession of
Constadt.

RAILWAY AUDIT BILL

In reply to Mr.

Mr. LABOUCIIERE stated that he had placed this
Bill on the vote fur Monday, and that should be not be
able then to procved with it he would stale when.
TUE SPANIziLI TARIFF.

In reply to Mr. RotsINSON
Lord PALMERS ON stated that the Spanish Go-
vernment had modified their tariff; but still the duties
were so high, that they would continue to encourage
smuggling. _ _