HC Deb 09 June 1863 vol 171 cc573-4
VICOUNT RAYNHAM

said, he wished to ask the President of the Poor Law Board Whether parochial authorities have power to refuse at any time the admission in to workhouses of persons who apply for relief as casual poor?

MR. C. P. VILLIERS

said, in reply, that by law every person who was really destitute, was entitled to relief upon application, and the responsibility of making arrangements for affording such relief rested with the Guardians of the Union or the officers of the parish in which the destitution occurred. The workhouse being full on any particular occasion would not relieve the authorities from that responsibility. He would state that the complaint mentioned by the noble Lord last evening had been received at the Poor Law Board, and directions had been given that it should be inquired into.