§ MR. ALLISON (Cumberland, Eskdale)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether it is the case that the provisions of 8 & 9 Vict. 511 c. 117, and 10 & 11 Vict. c. 33, in reference to the removal of Scotch and Irish paupers to their place of settlement in their own country, do not apply to pauper lunatics; and, if so, whether he will consider the propriety of amending the law in this respect, either by a clause in the Lunacy Bill, to be re-introduced next Session, or in some other way?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)The view which I believe is generally held is that the statutory provisions relating to the removal of paupers to Scotland and Ireland do not extend to authorize the removal of pauper lunatics whose condition is such as to require that they should be sent to a lunatic asylum. In the case of pauper lunatics who have no settlement in England, the cost of maintenance in an asylum is a charge on the county, and not upon the particular union. I cannot undertake to propose any alteration of the law which would extend the powers as to the removal of paupers.