HC Deb 13 February 1911 vol 21 cc676-7
Mr. LANSBURY

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he proposed to issue the new order respecting outdoor relief as suggested by the departmental committee appointed by him to inquire into the subject; and, if such was his intention, would he postpone the issue of the order until Parliament has had an opportunity of considering the matter?

Mr. MORRELL

further asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he had received representations from boards of guardians, trades councils, and other representative bodies protesting against the proposed new Poor Law Order, on the ground that it would unduly restrict the discretion of the guardians and be the means of inflicting undeserved hardship on many aged and infirm persons; and whether he will see that this House has an opportunity of considering the question before any action is taken?

Mr. DAWES and Viscount VALENTIA

also asked if the House would have an opportunity of expressing its opinion before the new Order is sanctioned?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

I have received copies of resolutions passed from fourteen Boards of Guardians, asking that the Order suggested by the Departmental Committee may not be issued until it has been considered by the Guardians or by the Poor Law Unions Association, or both. One Board of Guardians has protested against the Order apparently on the ground that it is not appropriate to a rural area. I have also received some seventy resolutions from branches of the Social Democratic Federation, the Independent Labour Party, and Trades and Labour Councils. The report of the Committee is receiving my careful consideration. I shall be happy to receive any practical suggestions on the subject, and I do not propose to take any action in the matter until the Poor Law Unions Association and similar bodies have furnished me with their views.

Mr. MORRELL

Are we to understand that this House is not to have an opportunity of discussing this important Order?

Mr. BURNS

It would be premature at present to decide that point. The allocation of Parliamentary time rests on all occasions with the Prime Minister, with whom, of course, one must consult.

Mr. MORRELL

Is there any great objection to keeping back the Order until the House has had an opportunity of discussing it?

Mr. BURNS

It is not intended to press it forward immediately.

Mr. MORRELL

Does it not practically abolish out-door relief.

Mr. BURNS

That is not so.

Mr. LANSBURY

Yes it does.