MR. KEIR-HARDIEI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he intends to submit a measure to Parliament during the present Session for the purpose of aiding Local Authorities to effectively deal with the severe distress prevailing all over the country, in consequence of large numbers of men being out of employment; and will he state what are the powers at present possessed by Boards of Guardians for setting able-bodied destitute people to work?
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERA Circular Letter was issued by me in November last to Local Authorities with respect to works in districts where there was exceptional distress in consequence of want of employment. Local Authorities have already the powers required for the execution of the works which are necessary for their district, and further legislation for the purpose does not appear to me to be required.