Your Committee have manifested their general disinclination to any interference with the honourable and gratuitous discharge of the functions of the Commissioners of Turnpike Trusts; in one instance, however, they are disposed to depart from the principle which they have recommended. A full consideration of the evidence relative to the defective state, and injudicious management of the roads round the Metropolis, and of the advantages which would accrue from a consolidation of the numerous small Trusts into which they are most inconveniently divided, induce your Committee to express to the House their strong recommendation, that a special Act of Parliament may be passed for uniting all the Trusts within a distance of about ten miles round London under one set of Commissioners. It is to these roads that the heaviest complaints made by the coachmasters, and the surveyor of mail coaches under the post-office, principally apply; and whether an improvement is to be effected by the importation of flint, and other common materials, or by laying granite pavement in the centre or sides of the roads, it is evident that, “the measure to be performed in an economical and efficient manner, must be done upon an extended scale it must become one interest, directed by one select body of men, of weight, ability, and character.” It is the object of the recommendation of your Committee to render the roads round the Metropolis a pattern for the kingdom, by the introduction of the most judicious system of formation and repair, which will thus be brought under general inspection; and the spirit of improvement, radiating from this centre, may be expected to spread with rapidity throughout the country, and to diffuse “those incalculable public and private advantages,” which a former Committee anticipated from the accomplishment of this great national object. Your Committee are deeply sensible of the consideration due to the persons whose property is invested in the funds of these Trusts, as well as to those who now act as Commissioners. They are perfectly aware of the jealousy with which the House may view any proposition for the creation of new offices of patronage and profit; and they do not disguise their conviction, that it will be found expedient to remunerate those efficient Commissioners who are expected to devote their time to the performance of active duties. Your Committee however anticipate, that if the House shall approve the formation of a Board of Commissioners for this object, they will deem it proper to place at its head some persons of eminent station and character, as a security for the independence and respectability of its proceedings. All these considerations certainly require cautious deliberation, and delicacy in arranging the plan; but your Committee feel confident that the wisdom and judgment of the House will find the means of surmounting the difficulties, without injustice, or hazardous innovation.