§ Lord DalmenyI rise, Sir, to put the question, of which I have given notice. I feel justified in adopting this course, not only from the importance of the subject, but from the deep interest which the country to which I belong takes in it. The House is no doubt aware of a statement made some time back as to the dreadful extent of destitution which prevailed in Scotland, and that the present system of Poor Laws was totally inadequate to meet the exigencies of the case. No sooner had that statement appeared, than various remedies were proposed, and Ministers appointed a Commission, with ample powers to investigate and report, as well as to suggest such remedial measures as they thought best adapted to 245 meet the evils complained of. That Committee last Session laid its Report on the Table. With regard to the remedial measures, a great diversity of opinion prevailed, but as to the evidence, there was an universal feeling of astonishment and horror at the distress to which it testified.
§ The SpeakerThe noble Lord is not at liberty to enter into an argument on the subject, on his notice to ask a question.
§ Lord DalmenyIt is not my intention to do so, and I will at once put my question; first, whether it be the intention of Government to introduce any measure for the alteration and amendment of the Poor Law in Scotland, and, whether, if they do so, it will be in accordance with the Report of the Commission of Inquiry of last Session.
§ Sir J. GrahamI am not at all surprised that the noble Lord, as a Scotchman, should take a deep interest in this subject. I am quite satisfied that he has not exaggerated the importance and difficulty of the question. The noble Lord, though not arguing the question, has made something like a statement, and I hope I shall be excused for following his example. The noble Lord and the House are aware that the code of laws for the regulation of the poor in Scotland has existed for two centuries, and has been referred to by the highest authorities as a proof of the wisdom of the Legislature by which it was conceived, and also, until a recent period, of the prudence and caution, and I will also say, of the humanity of those by whom it was administered. Now, Sir, in these circumstances, recollecting always that any change in a law possessing such authority, if proposed by Government, is an irrevocable step, I need hardly tell the noble Lord and the House that it becomes the Executive Government of Her Majesty to exercise the utmost caution and consideration, before they venture to propose to Parliament any alteration whatever in such a law. For it should be borne in mind that whether under this law, or independently of it, the people of Scotland have acquired a great pre-eminence in science, agriculture, commerce, and productive industry. To touch such a law, therefore, I say again, requires the utmost caution. At the same time, I will tell the noble Lord that the anxious attention of the Government has been directed to the Report and Evidence to which he refers. I am of opinion, on the whole, that some legislation will be necessary; but at this moment, it would be premature to pledge myself to the precise time when a Bill will be introduced; 246 I could not do that with any satisfaction, until the measure is so far perfected by Her Majesty's advisers that I feel confident I could soon bring it forward. I am not in a condition to state that at the present moment. I can only repeat my opinion, that it is probable a measure on the subject will be proposed in the present Session. Of course, it would be impossible for me to fetter the discretion of Her Majesty's Government by saying that we should be bound by the precise terms of the Commissioners' Report.