CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether it is proposed by the Government to extend the scope of the Tuberculosis Bill to England and Scotland; and, if not, will steps be taken to prevent poor persons suffering from the disease in England and Scotland being sent to Ireland to be a burden on the rates.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fifeshire, E.I am not in a position to make any statement as to the extension of the scope of this Bill to England and Scotland. The hon. Member's concluding inquiry opens up a large question with regard to the Law of Settlement which at present applies to England and Scotland but not to Ireland. My right hon. friend the Chief Secretary has, I am informed, expressed the intention of considering that question in connection with contemplated legislation for the reform of the Poor Laws next year.
CAPTAIN CRAIGWhy should people living in Ireland be allowed to cross to England in order to escape the net of the Bill?
§ [No Answer was returned.]