§ Mr. MacCAWasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that in the case of the death of a tenant of a labourer's cottage who might leave his widow and children destitute the Poor Law guardians were debarred from giving any relief to the family; and if he could see his way to effect such an amendment of the law as to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs the law stands at present, the guardians have power to give relief either in the workhouse or out of the workhouse to destitute poor widows who have two or more legitimate children dependent upon them. The occupation of over a quarter of an acre of land, however, disqualifies the occupier, and this would apply in the case of a tenant of a labourer's cottage with an allotment attached. I see no prospect of legislation on the subject.