HC Deb 12 November 1908 vol 196 cc539-40
MR. W. THORNE

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that, in consequence of the central and various local distress committees not receiving the Circular withdrawing the two disqualifications, viz., poor law relief and two successive years work, a large number of men are being prevented from obtaining work; and if he can state when the Circular will be issued removing the two disqualifications mentioned.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN BURNS,) Battersea

An Order dealing with this matter was issued yesterday, and copies of it, together with an explanatory Circular, have been sent to the local bodies concerned.

MR. W. THORNE

What is the difference between the alteration and the old Orders?

MR. JOHN BURNS

Full discretion is given to the distress committees.

MR. ARTHUR HENDERSON, (Durham, Barnard Castle)

May I ask whether leaving to the discretion of the local committees the two points referred to in the Prime Minister's recent speech—the poor law disqualification and having one's name on the distress register for two years—is what the House were led to expect?

MR. JOHN BURNS

It is generally regarded by those responsible for the administration of the Act that this is by far the best and most effective way of giving expression to the Prime Minister's promise.

MR. ARTHUR HENDERSON

But may I ask whether it is not setting aside the intention of the Prime Minister's speech to leave it in the discretion of the authorities whether the disqualifications definitely promised to be removed have been allowed to remain?

MR. JOHN BURNS

That is not the view of the distress committees.

MR. GEORGE ROBERTS (Norwich)

Will the modifications take place from the date of the Prime Minister's speech or that of the issue of the Local Government Board's Circular?

MR. JOHN BURNS

I presume they will take effect from yesterday, when the Circular was issued.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

Are we to understand that these poor men who are now registered as disqualified will not be allowed to come in. I put that to the Prime Minister.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fifeshire, E.

I should like to have notice of that Question.