§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the President of the Local Government Board if he was now in a position to make a statement relative to the suicide of a lad, seventeen years of age, at Little Addington, who was stated to be a boy sent out to work by the local board of guardians for a local employer without any agreement as to money wages?
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYalso asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has made inquiry into the case of William Lawman, aged 17, who recently committed suicide at Little Addington, Northamptonshire; if so, whether, as stated at the inquest, the boy had been put to work on a farm without agreement as to money wages; whether the guardians had made no provision for his welfare after his leaving their charge; and if the guardians in question have dealt with any other lads in the same way?
§ Mr. BURNSI am informed that William Lawman was given an outfit and placed with a farmer by the Thrapston Guardians in May, 1909, being then fifteen years of age. The arrangement made with the farmer was that usually made by the guardians, namely, that the boy should receive board, lodgings, and clothing, and 1s. 3d. per week. This arrangement was to last for one year, after which the boy would be over sixteen, and the guardians would no longer be directly responsible for him, although I understand that the guardians through their officers do in fact keep in touch with boys so placed out. No complaints were received from the boy, who came to the workhouse last Christmas 12 for dinner and then informed the matron that he was very happy and did not wish to leave his situation.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs there any information available as to whether the boy had any wage during the period he was at work?
§ Mr. BURNSI think there is some information that the boy had wages. When the poor lad was found dead there were 11s. found on him, presumably wages or pocket money.