HC Deb 16 February 1858 vol 148 c1471
MR. WISE

said, he would beg to ask the President of the Poor Law Board whether he contemplates the introduction of any measure to alter the mode of raising the Rates for the Relief of the Poor; find whether he will assent to the appointment of a Committee to consider the policy and general effect of the present Laws relating to Settlement, Removal, and Parochial Assessment?

MR. BOUVERIE

Sir, I do not contemplate any such measure, or to ask Parliament to resort to any such measure as an inquiry into the policy and general effect of the Laws relating to Settlement, Removal, and Parochial Assessment. I think that subject has been nearly exhausted by inquiry, and it will not be my duty to consent to the appointment of a Committee to consider the general policy of the Poor Law. There is one branch of the Law which relates to what are called the irremoveable poor, who have been resident in a parish five years, the Act relating to which expires next year; and as it will be desirable to have an inquiry into the working of that Law during the ten years of its existence, I shall in the course of the Session move for a Committee to inquire into that subject.