§ SIR JOHN GORST (Cambridge University)To ask the President of the Local Government Board what is the total outlay for the purchase of sites, the erection of buildings, and furnishing, respectively, incurred by boards of guardians in the establishment of village 129 communities for Poor Law children since the year 1897.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I am not in a position to state the total outlay since the year 1897 incurred by boards of guardians in respect of the several matters referred to. The expenditure, however, authorised by the Local Government Board since that date for the purchase of sites for grouped cottage homes amounts to £129,004. In two cases the guardians have not proceeded further with their proposals, and in one case the amount sanctioned is inclusive of buildings, etc. The sums authorised during the same period in respect of buildings and furnishing are £912,464 and £32,013, respectively; but in two cases the sums sanctioned for buildings are inclusive of furnishing.