HC Deb 02 August 1893 vol 15 cc1166-7

COMMITTEE. [Progress, Clause 1, 14th June.]

Bill considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

Amendment proposed, In page 1, line 14, after the word "grant," to leave out to the word "not with standing," in line 15, and insert the words "such relief to any destitute person as may, in their opinion, be necessary to relieve his destitution."—(Mr. H. H. Fowler.)

Question proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Clause."

MR. TOMLTNSON

asked whether this Bill was not being dealt with by the Royal Commission?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. H. FOELER,) Wolverhampton, E.

It is not a Government Bill, and a considerable part of its provisions have been re- ferred to the Royal Commission on the Aged Poor. Of course, the Government would object to any legislation which would fetter the Royal Commission. The Amendments I propose to introduce would prevent that, and I should like to know whether the hon. Gentleman in charge of the measure will accept my Amendment? If not, we cannot consent to go on with the Bill.

MR. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)

said, he could accept the present Amendment, but not the one that stood next on the Paper, because that would strike at the root of the Bill. As the Bill was merely permissive, he could not see how it would interfere with the inquiry of the Commission. Its object was only to save poor men who applied for relief from having to forfeit the benefit of their thrift.

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I cannot accept the view of the hon. Member that my second Amendment strikes at the root of the Bill. This question has been referred to the Commission on the Aged Poor. That Commission has sat 36 times, and I expect it will report in ample time next year for legislation. I entirely repudiate the construction the hon. Member has put on the Amendment, and, under the circumstances, I must move that you report Progress, Sir.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Mr. H. H. Fowler.)

Motion agreed to.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Thursday, 10th August.