HC Deb 27 November 1882 vol 275 cc97-8
MR. LABOUCHERE

asked the President of the Local Government Board, On what grounds he declined to confirm the appointment of a husband and wife as Master and Matron of the workhouse at Melton Mowbray? The hon. Member added that a resolution had been passed by the Melton Mowbray Board of Guardians to this effect— Resolved, that in reference to their letter, the Local Government Board he respectfully informed that Mr. and Mrs. Wild were appointed out of a list of 50 candidates to the offices of master and matron of the union workhouse by a considerable majority in a full Board; that the fact of Mr. Wild having married his deceased wife's sister was thoroughly known to all the guardians present, who did not, and who do not now, consider that such a circumstance should operate as a disqualification for the offices named; and that this Board therefore ventures to urge the Local Government Board to reconsider their decision and to allow the appointments in question to be confirmed.

MR. DODSON

Sir, the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers has not been brought before me; but, in answer to the Question, I can only say that in the present state of English law there is no valid marriage between these two persons; and, under these circumstances, the Local Government Board thought they would not be justified in confirming this appointment.

MR. LABOUCHERE

asked if he was to understand—for this was very important—that the Local Government Board intended to veto the appointment on the part of the local officials of any person who had married his deceased wife's sister in the Colonies or in any other country where such a marriage was legal?

MR. DODSON

I do not feel called upon to commit myself to an answer to the general question of my hon. Friend. I have answered his Question with regard to a case which was brought before the Local Government Board, and which was decided by them.