§ MR. J. HERBERT LEWISI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government propose to reappoint the Select Committee on distress caused by want of employment.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI suppose that the hon. Gentleman refers to the present Session. I will consult with the Chairman of the Committee which sat last Session, to ascertain whether in his opinion any good object can be served by the re-appointment of the Committee. If it were possible for the Committee to continue its investigations, we should gladly welcome any fresh light they might throw upon the subject. ["Hear!"]
MR. E. H. PICK ERSGILLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury with reference to the intimation that legislation is to be postponed until next year, whether he will make an exception in favour of the recommendations of the Select Committee on Distress from Want of Employment.
§ MR. F. A. CHANNINGI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether Her Majesty's Government have considered the recommendations of the Select Committee on Distress from Want of Employment, and whether they propose during the present Session to give effect by legislation to the recommendations to exempt from disability as regards the franchise deserving men who through no fault of their own are compelled to take relief work, and to empower Boards of Guardians in London, with the consent of the London County Council, to agree with any sanitary authority in their union that, in consideration of the 173 latter employing persons on relief works, the Guardians will contribute an amount not exceeding one-half the cost of such employment, placing the contribution as a charge on the Metropolitan Common Poor Funds?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYIt would be impossible for the Government to make any exception to the rule laid down, to the effect that no controversial legislation can be undertaken during the course of the present Session. The matter referred to in the question is one which the Government recognise as exceedingly pressing, and will have during the recess their earnest attention. ["Hear, hear!"]
§ MR. CHANNINGDoes the right hon gentleman consider the removal of the disabilities in connection with the franchise one that would be regarded as controversial in this House, and one which cannot be dealt with by a simple Act of Parliament?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI should say, in the first place, that it is controversial, and that, in the second place, it has comparatively little bearing on the principal questions which may have to occupy us. It is an important subject, but it has no connection with the relief of distress. ["Hear, hear!"]