§ MR. ROGERS (Wiltshire, Devizes)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that processions of the unemployed from the boroughs of Paddington and Kensington are daily taking place in the streets for the purpose of soliciting alms; whether the councils of these boroughs are making any provision for the relief of distress caused by unemployment; and whether he will communicate with these authorities in order to insure such steps being taken as will relieve these persons in distress from the necessity of seeking their subsistence by organised begging in the streets.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I am aware that processions of the kind referred to take place. The councils of both boroughs are engaged upon special measures to provide work for the unemployed. The Kensington Borough Council have passed various schemes of work, the total cost of which amounts to £7,300, and at Paddington the borough council have not only resolved on considerable expenditure on street works, but have also put in hand work at the recreation ground to which the Central (Unemployed) Body contribute. Moreover, works of tree planting are being carried out at Paddington, and some work in repairing and painting the town hall will be commenced to-day. Active steps are being taken in both boroughs to raise voluntary funds.