§ MR. S. MORLEYasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether his attention has been called to the reports in the "Times" and "Morning Post" of the 1st November, of the case of Charles Thompson, a crippled pauper in the Chelsea Workhouse, who, upon refusing to remove his blue ribbon badge from his coat when ordered to do so by the master, saying that he had a right "to stand by his colours," was put on the ground by the instructions of the master, and had his chest knelt upon, and the ribbon forcibly removed from his coat and destroyed; and, whether any, and, if any, what steps have been taken for the protection of paupers against proceedings such as those reported, and for the punishment of the officials concerned?
§ MR. DODSONMy attention has been called to this case, and I have requested the observations of the Guardians on the subject. The Guardians have referred the matter to a Committee. Meanwhile, I have no hesitation in saying that I should regret any interference with the wearing of the Blue Ribbon badge by the inmates. As regards the conduct of the officials in the case of Thompson, they state that the man was not thrown 1292 or struck to the ground, and that no unnecessary violence was used. I am glad to be able to add that a gentleman connected with the Blue Ribbon movement offered to find Thompson employment, which he was physically able to perform, and that the man has now left the workhouse.