HC Deb 20 February 1845 vol 77 c827
Captain Pechell

begged to say, in reference to, his Motion on the subject of the employment of the poor in Union Workhouses, that the Guardians of the Boston Union had refused to comply with the Order of that House. He, therefore, begged to ask what course the right hon. Baronet, the Home Secretary, intended to take in reference to those Guardians; and also what directions, if any, had been given to prevent the crushing of bones in workhouses?

Sir James Graham

said, the hon. Gentleman had given him notice of the question he intended to put. He thought the hon. Gentleman must admit that, as far as the authority of the Poor Law Commissioners could be exerted over the local Boards, everything had been done to enforce the Order of the House. If the hon. Member thought the power of the House was to be exerted, it would be for him to consider what steps should be taken. As to the second question, he did not believe the practice, though objectionable, was illegal. The Poor Law Commissioners could only exercise the powers which the law gave them; if any increase of them were desired, there must be an alteration of the law.

Subject at an end.

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