HC Deb 15 May 1905 vol 146 c283
DR. MACNAMARA

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has now considered the desirableness of making any charge incurred under the Order dealing with the feeding of hungry children in London a charge upon the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund, and not upon the poor rate for each parish; and, if so, whether he has arrived at any decision upon the matter.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)

As the hon. Member is aware, legislation would be necessary to give effect to his suggestion. I could not give any promise to introduce a Bill for this purpose.

DR. MACNAMARA

Will the Local Government Board spread the incidence of this cost over London?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot go beyond what I said on a previous occasion. I think the matter is worthy of consideration, but I do not see any chance of introducing the necessary legislation this session.