MR. MONTAGE (Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel)I beg to ask the hon. Member for Penrith (Mr. J. W. Lowther) if his attention has been called to the following facts: that the Vestry of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, are entitled by "The Dulwich College Act, 1857," and the new scheme of 1882, to elect six out of 24 in-door pensioners, each entitled to receive £1 per week and residence, or, in lieu of residence, 6s. extra per week; that a vacancy occurred in January, 1889, in their number of indoor pensioners, which the Vestry filled up by electing Widow Jane Barker, of 64, Skinner Street, Bishopsgate; that the Governors of Dulwich College refused to recognise her as an in-door pensioner, but offered to allow her 10s. a week as an outside pensioner; this sum she has taken under protest, claiming the full allowance to which the Vestry consider her entitled; and whether the Charity Commissioners will sanction the payment to this poor person of the allowance which her predecessor received
MR. J. W. LOWTHER (Cumberland, Penrith)The Vestry of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, are entitled to elect one-fourth out of such number, not exceeding 24, as accommodation is provided for in the almshouses. There is at present only accommodation for 16 alms people, and in January, 1889, there was no vacancy. Under these circumstances, the election of Jane Barker was invalid. The Charity Commissioners have no power to sanction the payment mentioned except by a new scheme, which they are willing to make upon receipt of a proper application.