§ MR. CYRIL FLOWER (Bedford, Luton)asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, When the information promised in April last with reference to the distress in the Metropolis, and which was then said to be nearly complete, would be ready and laid before the House; and, whether any additional powers have been, or can be, conferred upon Boards of Guardians to deal with exceptional distress?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. LONG) (Wilts, Devizes)I am informed by the Registrar General that the work of tabulation has proved to be more difficult than was anticipated, owing to the very unsatisfactory answers received, which do not admit of simple mechanical tabulation. He cannot hold out any hope of the Return being completed before the end of next month. Boards of Guardians have already full powers of dealing with exceptional distress, and additional powers for this purpose are not contemplated.