§ *MR. REESI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give the House the results of the trials of the Mile End Guardians, and the total results of the inquiries he instituted; and whether, in view of the scandals existing under the present system which he has brought to light, the Government will consider the propriety of restoring the ex-officio guardians.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI directed an inquiry by Mr. Willis, one of the Inspectors of the Local Government Board, as to the proceedings of the Mile End Guardians. On receiving his Report I forwarded the 755 papers to the Public Prosecutor, who took proceedings against two contractors and ten guardians and ex-guardians. One of the contractors was acquitted, and one of the guardians absconded. The rest were convicted; one was fined, and the others were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. The expenditure of the Mile End Guardians has shown a substantial reduction since the proceedings in connection with the inquiry were commenced, but it is not possible at present to estimate the total results of this and the other inquiries which I have instituted. The question of the constitution of boards of guardians will be a matter for consideration when the Report of the Poor Law Commission has been received.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSsaid he expected it in November or December. The Commission were very anxious to present it at the earliest possible date.
§ MR. H. C. LEA (St. Pancras, E.)Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to ascertain from various boards of guardians throughout the country whether any similar scandals are obtaining as in the case of Mile End and Poplar, and, if so, what are the results of his inquiry?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSI can assure the House that the Local Government Board is keeping its eye on every body throughout the country.
§ MR. H. C. LEAExcept the unemployed.