§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether Boards of Guardians may legally spend a portion of the poor rate in supplying the inmates of workhouses with newspapers, periodicals, and books; and, if so, whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to the extent to which these bodies have availed themselves of this particular power?
§ *MR. RITCHIEBoards of Guardians are empowered to defray out of the rates the cost of supplying the inmates of workhouses with newspapers and perio dicals and books. I have directed that 1277 the Inspectors of the Local Government Board shall be instructed, in connection with their visits to workhouses, to give this subject their special attention, and to report to the Board as to the views and practice of the Guardians with respect to such supply.