SIR WALTER FOSTERTo ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that some boards of guardians have largely reduced the number of appplications for medical out-relief by means of giving all medical out- 14 relief on loan in the first instance (subject to subsequent cancelling of the loan if the guardians think fit), or by compelling parents to appear before the board or a committee; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) My attention has been called to one instance in London where a system of the kind above mentioned has been introduced, and where it is said that the result has been to reduce the applications for outdoor medical relief. But, as I have stated to-day in reply to another Question by the hon. Member, a special investigation is being made by one of the assistant inspectors of the Department as to the arrangements for outdoor medical relief in the Metropolis.