§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACHsaid, he wished to ask the President of the Poor Law Board, What progress has been made in the re-arrangement of the Gilbert Unions and other places with which the Poor Law Board were empowered to deal by Section 4 of the Poor Belief Act of last Session; and whether advantage has been taken in any instances of Clause 6 of the same Act, by which small parishes may be united for the election of guardians; and, whether he is taking any steps with a view to the consolidation of the Acts relating to the Relief of the Poor in England and Wales?
§ MR. GOSCHENConsiderable progress has been made, Sir, with regard to the dissolution of the Gilbert Unions under the Act of last Session. There were twelve incorporations; of these six have been dissolved. In the case of four others, orders have been directed to be issued for their dissolution; and as regards the remaining two, the Reports of the Inspectors have been received, and will be dealt with shortly. These dissolutions often give rise to very lengthy negotiations, and not unnaturally create considerable difference of opinion between town and county as to the mode in which the re-arrangement should be effected. As regards the second part of the Question, I have to state that the 6th clause, though of very general application, can only be acted upon at the annual election, and with reference to the circumstances of each union separately. The Board have had several cases under their consideration, but have not been able to settle them before the election that was held at the beginning of this month. They expect, however, to have brought the clause into extensive operation before the time of the next annual election. As regards the consolidation of the laws relating to 1196 poor relief, there is at present so much work on our hands at the Poor Law Board that we are unable to deal with that most desirable object; but I trust that in the autumn, when we have more time at our disposal, we may be able to attempt the task.
§ COLONEL BOURNEsaid, he wished to ask the President of the Poor Law Board, If he has any objection to lay upon the Table of the House the Correspondence with the Evesham Board of Guardians on the subject of "placing out" orphan children inmates of the Union Workhouse?
§ MR. GOSCHENI shall have no objection to lay that correspondence on the table.