HC Deb 05 August 1898 vol 64 cc274-5
MR. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is prepared to assent to the request of the Yeovil Board of Guardians that boards of guardians should have power to agree with any officer on his appointment that his appointment should be determinable by notice given on either side; and, if not, what are the grounds upon which he is not prepared to alter the Orders of the Local, Government Board which govern the appointment of poor law officers?

THE PRESIDENT or THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, Sleaford

Parliament has conferred upon the Local Government Board the power and duty of regulating the appointment and dismissal of officers of boards of guardians, because it was held to be in the interest of the administration of the poor law that the chief officers of the guardians should not be subject to removal without the assent of the Local Government Board upon adequate cause being shown. I am aware of no reason for setting aside the intentions of Parliament in the matter by agreeing to the memorial of the Yeovil guardians, and I cannot hold out any expectation that this will be done.