§ MR. A. C. MORTONI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the conduct of the relieving officer of the Bramley Union in taking out a warrant for the arrest of G. E. Harrobin for the alleged neglect of his wife; whether he has seen the statement of the Mayor of Leeds—
That a gross misuse of the forms of law had been made in the matter by proceeding by warrant instead of summons, and by holding the warrant so long over the man's head";and whether he will inquire into the matter?
SIR W. FOSTERI have made inquiry of the Guardians of the Bramley Union respecting this case, and have been furnished with a very full statement of the facts. As I am informed, the wife had become an inmate of the workhouse in consequence of the neglect of her husband to maintain her, although he had sufficient means to provide for her support. The Statute under which the proceedings were instituted contemplates that a warrant may be issued under such circumstances; and I see no reason to doubt that the Guardians and their officers, in the course which they adopted, acted as they believed best in the interest of both the husband and wife. I shall be happy, if my hon. Friend would desire it, to give him an opportunity of seeing the statement with which I have been furnished.
§ MR. A. C. MORTONIs it a fact that the officer held the warrant without executing it? Was he justified in that?
SIR W. FOSTERIf the hon. Member will read the statement which I will show him he will find the matter fully explained.