HC Deb 24 November 1893 vol 18 cc1699-700
MR. KEIR-HARDIE

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a communication from the Secretary of the English Land Restoration League, enclosing a Memorial from the Secretaries of the Agricultural Labourers' Unions, suggesting that Acts of Parliament conferring powers on Boards of Guardians for providing work for the unemployed should be put in force; and whether he will state to the House what reply he has made thereto?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I have received a communication from the Secretary of the English Land Restoration League enclosing Memorials from Secretaries of Agricultural Labourers' Unions, and the subject is receiving the consideration of the Poor Law Department of the Local Government Board. I am informed that up to the present time there has been no case in which a Board of Guardians have submitted a scheme for the hiring of land for the purpose of their employing the poor at wages. If any application should be received by the Board they will consider whether it is necessary to issue any Rules or Regulations for the purpose of controlling or regulating the proceedings of the Guardians in the matter. There is, however, no power under which Guardians can borrow money for this purpose, and if any such power were to be conferred legislation would be necessary.

MR. KEIR-HARDIE

Has not the right hon. Gentleman refused to receive a deputation appointed by a conference of Boards of Guardians in the East End to submit a scheme. Why did he refuse to receive it?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I received a communication from a number of persons who were individual members of Boards of Guardians, but not from Boards of Guardians. Any application should be made in the form officially prescribed. And when one has been made the Local Government Board will consider if it is necessary to issue any rules on the subject.

MR. BOUSFIELD

Did not the right hon. Gentleman receive an application from a Board of Guardians relative to a contemplated purchase of land, and did he not discourage any such action?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I cannot say I discouraged it. I had private letters which I cannot treat as official documents.

MR. KEIR-HARDIE

In consequence of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman I shall, at the close of the Questions, ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.