Colonel Chichesterwas anxious to put a question to the noble Lord, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which, although not on the all-engrossing subject of the ladies, was nevertheless of very great importance. He wished to know whether it was the intention of Government this Session to propose any measure for the better relief and maintenance of pauper lunatics in England and Wales—an un-fortunate class of persons, most inadequately and improperly provided for under the present system.
§ Lord John Russellwas quite ready to admit that the clauses in the new Poor Law Act with respect to pauper lunatics had occasioned some inconvenience, and perhaps not a little suffering, to that unfortunate class of persons; at the same time, until he had fully consulted the Poor Law Commissioners on the subject, he could not pledge himself to bring in any Bill during the present Session.
§ Sir Thomas Fremantlehoped the noble Secretary for the Home Department would answer another question he had to put, connected with the Poor Law Amendment Bill, with respect to money advanced to unions for the building of workhouses. He wished to know whether Government would extend the period for repayment from ten to fourteen or twenty years; and also whether they would allow a reduction of the interest payable on the loan below 4l. per cent?
§ Lord John Russellsaid, with respect to the latter part of the question, his right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer had already reduced the rate of interest on any advances which might be made for the building of workhouses from 5l. to 4l. per cent, but it was not thought advisable to make any further reduction. 814 As to the time fixed for repayment, he had to state, that on an application of the parties, declaring their wishes to that effect, Government would have no objection to extend the period to twenty years.
§ Subject dropped.