§ SIR SAMUEL MONTAGUI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that strong disapproval has been expressed in the public Press and elsewhere of allowing the Sutton Pauper School children to solicit or receive alms from persons going to or from the Epsom races, he will take steps to prevent the repetition of the practice this year?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. CHAPLIN,) Lancashire, SleafordI replied to a nearly similar Question last Session. I do not know whether the hon. Baronet has ever been to the Derby by road himself, but what happens as regards the children I understand is this: The procession is rather amusing, and these children for many years have been allowed to enjoy the fun like other people by seeing it from a field belonging to the schools which adjoins the road. Soliciting money, as I stated before, is strictly prohibited, and I see no reason for my interference, or for depriving 637 these children of what seems to me a very harmless amusement, because some good-natured people on the road, I believe, throw them money occasionally, especially as this money is spent in providing an outing to the Crystal Palace or the seaside, or some other recreation.