§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the case of John Meyrick, an unemployed labourer, sentenced in Manchester on 10th September to two months' imprisonment for failing to provide food for his children; whether the man repeatedly announced his ability and desire to work if he could secure it, but refused to enter the workhouse as requested by the guardians; and whether, had he agreed to enter the workhouse, any sentence would have been imposed.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Gladstone)I have made inquiry in this case. There would have been no prosecution if the man had taken the means afforded him by the law for obtaining food for his children. He refused to do this though repeatedly warned of the consequences if he allowed his children to starve. The provision enacted by Parliament last year in the Children's Act leaves no doubt as to his 220 obligation to obtain poor law relief if he could not otherwise provide for his family; and I much regret that, in view of all the circumstances, I hardly think the case is one in which I could recommend any interference.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the course of the trial the man himself explained that his entry into prison would mean the breaking up of his little home, and consequently a greater difficulty after emerging from prison to get his home and family together again?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe real facts of the case are that the refusal of the man to take advantage of the law resulted in semi-starvation to a number of children, and at present, while he is in prison, his children will be provided for. I think the hon. Member may be assured that they will be well looked after.