§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he will consider the advisability of holding in public the inquiry into the administration of relief in Poplar, so that the evidence may be sifted in the public interest; and whether he proposes to carry on these investigations through officials who have already expressed opinions on the matter, or will some independent person be sent down.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI have received an application from the guardians of the Poplar Union for a public inquiry, and I have replied that I think this proposal should stand over for the present. The investigation at Poplar is being conducted by Mr. Davy, the Chief General Inspector of the Local Government Board, in whose impartiality I have entire confidence. He will receive the help of any other officers of the Department whose services may be necessary. The guardians have already intimated their willingness to render him assistance.
§ MR. CROOKSMr. Davy has already expressed opinions on the work of the guardians. Is he a proper person to conduct an investigation of this character?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSLots of persons have made ex parte statements on this particular subject.
§ MR. CROOKSThey are not public officials. It is a different thing altogether.