§ MR. STANSFELDasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been drawn to an article in the "Freeman's Journal" of December 3rd, in which it is stated that a Poor Law officer charged with the convoy of one male and two female paupers from Liverpool to their native unions in Ireland, having reached Castle-blayney and lodged one of the female 743 paupers in the workhouse at that place, procured for the night admittance for the other female pauper, an orphan girl, to a cheap lodging house with himself as his wife; to inquire if this statement is true; and, if so, what steps are being taken against the officer in question, and by what measures it is proposed to prevent the possible recurrence of such misconduct; and, further to inquire, with reference to the Resolution of the House of Commons of the 2nd of July last, that the Laws concerning the removal of paupers in England and Scotland inflicted hardship and required consideration and amendment, whether he proposes to bring in a Bill to amend these Laws?
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTHSir, the statements made in the article quoted by the right hon. Member are, I believe, correct. The officer who was responsible for the conduct of the convoy was in the employment of the Select Vestry of Liverpool and a married man of good character, and believed to be thoroughly trustworthy. I am informed that he has been discharged since this account appeared in the newspapers. As to the amendment of the laws concerning the removal of paupers, I can only repeat what I said last night in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Cork, that the subject was under the consideration of the Government, and I hope to be able, after Christmas, to make a proposal on the subject.