§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the hardships inflicted on certain married couples who have been in receipt of Poor Law relief when the husband is, but the wife is not, of sufficient age to obtain a pension; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to introduce an amending Bill this Session to put the matter right?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)The question of introducing a Bill for this purpose must depend on whether time and opportunity allow.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask whether a pledge has not been given by the President of the Local Government Board to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. BURNSI should be obliged if my bon. Friend will put that question on the paper. I shall be pleased to answer it.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that this a very real and widespread grievance and whether he will deal with it?
§ Mr. BURNSI am conscious, if it is a widespread grievance, it ought to be met; but the best way does not entirely depend upon my Department. The Treasury and the Local Government Board are jointly responsible, and I trust we may be able to see a way out.
§ Mr. MORRELLMay I ask whether the Government propose to deal with it if they have the time?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEOh, yes; that is so.