§ SIR GEORGE WHITE (Norfolk, N.W.)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General whether he is aware that a labourer named Pentney, in the receipt of 15s. a week, was recently adjudged to pay first 1s. and then 6d. per week by the guardians of the Docking Union towards the maintenance of his father, and upon pleading inability to pay was summoned; that four justices unanimously decided they were not satisfied as to his ability and declined to make an order, and in consequence the guardians took off 1s. per week from the old people's relief; and whether, in view of the amending Acts giving discretion to the justices, he is prepared to amend the original Acts, so as to prevent them being applied to labourers at 15s. per week and at 1575 the same time stop the guardians from indirectly overriding the decision of the justices.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSMy hon. and learned friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I am aware of the case referred to in it. I am informed that the son was earning 15s. a week, that his wife earned 1s. a week by washing and at times more, that he had two children, one living at home and earning 6s. a week, the other being in domestic service. I am also informed that the father came before the guardians and stated that his son never gave him anything, and that the guardians took off a shilling a week from the relief in the hope that this would induce the son to contribute to the maintenance of his parent. Such, however, was not the case, and I find that the guardians have now granted the father the extra shilling a week, and have informed the son that they hope he will contribute 6d. to wards it. As I have stated on previous occasions, the subject of contributions by relatives is before the Poor Law Commission, and, pending their Report, I do not propose to introduce legislation with regard to it.
§ SIR GEORGE WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the guardians have passed a resolution that if the relief is again withdrawn the son shall be prosecuted?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI have no information as to that.