§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any steps in pursuance of the Report of the Select Committee on the Aged Pensioners Bill last session either to carry out the general recommendations of the Committee, by initiating a scheme of pensions with the restrictions and machinery suggested in the Report, or else to give effect to the special recommendations of the Committee as to the separation of the aged and infirm poor, now in workhouses, from paupers who are imbecile, and the provision of special treatment in cottage homes, or otherwise.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I am afraid that I cannot hold out any expectation that the Government will propose legislation, during the present session, for the purpose of giving effect to the recommendations of the Committee. It is competent for the guardians to provide separate accommodation for the indoor poor who are aged and infirm, and I readily give attention to any proposals made to me by a board of guardians for this purpose.