§ MR. E. STANHOPEasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he is aware that questions have arisen as to the legality of agreements entered into by Boards of Guardians with the relatives of paupers for the repayment of weekly sums for the maintenance of such paupers; whether these agreements are not in common use, and are found to work exceedingly well in country districts; and, whether, in these circumstances, he will consider the desirability of removing, by legislation, any doubts as to their validity?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKESir, Questions have arisen as to the legality of agreements entered into by the relatives of paupers for the repayment of relief granted, by Boards of Guardians. The Board are aware that in some Unions it has been the practice to accept such agreements with the view of avoiding the necessity for obtaining orders of justices on the relatives of paupers; but the Board have no information as to the extent to which the arrangement has been adopted. When an opportunity for legislation on the subject offers, the Board will be pre- 1098 pared to consider the desirability of removing any doubts as to the legality of such agreements.