§ On the motion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the resolution containing a grant of 54,250l., expenses of the New Poor Law Commission, be read a second time.
§ Mr. Grimsditchobjected to it on the ground that the expenditure was most extravagant. The Poor-law Commission had in fact been increasing every year. In addition to the three commissioners, there were now three secretaries, all barristers, and 21 assistant commissioners, who received salaries amounting annually to 40,000l. After so large a sum as that, which in itself was highly objectionable, he thought it too much to call upon the House to sanction the payment of 3,000l. for professional assistance, the whole of the legal expenses amounting to upwards of 5,000l. a-year. He objected likewise although it was not his intention to propose any amendment in the present state of the House, to many other of the expenses of the commission, especially as he believed that the operation of the New Poor-law system was generally injurious. Of its injurious tendency in his part of the country he had no doubt whatever.
Colonel Sibthorpehoped that what had fallen from the hon. Gentleman would receive the attentive consideration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the other Members of her Majesty's Government. The subject was one which ought to be strictly investigated.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequerassured the hon. Gentleman, that under this head of expenditure the greatest economy had been enforced. When the extent of the grant was talked of, it should be remembered that the most pressing applications were made from the country for assistance to carry into effect the provisions of this bill, and those applications had caused a great increase of expenditure. If any complaint was made that 40,000l. was required, it should also be remembered that the new law had saved the country two millions of money in the reduction of poor-rates. The charge for legal advice formerly amounted to half a million of money.
§ The resolution was agreed to.