§ MR. WHITMOREI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the announced intention of the Government to introduce at an early date measures to effect a radical reform in the administration of the Poor Law and its present management, he will refrain from enforcing the erection of casual wards in Chelsea until the new system of Poor Law has been established?
§ *MR. H. H. FOWLERThe announcement of the intention of the Government to which the hon. Member refers would not justify me in neglecting to enforce the decision of my predecessor with reference to the erection of casual wards in Chelsea. Mr. Ritchie decided that it was the duty of the Chelsea Guardians to provide these wards, and that in the event of their refusing to make that provision it was the duty of the Local Government Board to take the necessary steps to carry out the law.