HC Deb 20 March 1912 vol 35 c1878
Mr. EDWARD WOOD

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state what steps, if any, the Government proposes to take for the relief of distress in the event of the continuance of the coal strike?

The PRIME MINISTER

My right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, who has for a long time been giving daily and, indeed, hourly attention to this matter, has to-day issued a circular to boards of guardians with respect to their powers of relieving distress or suggesting their co-operation with other authorities and agencies which are able to afford aid in this direction. I am glad to observe that there has been in many directions a ready response to appeals made for assistance, and that employers are also doing what they can to mitigate distress amongst their workpeople.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Will the Prime Minister cause a similar circular to be issued to the education authorities calling attention to the power to provide food for the school children under the Education Acts?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am told that is being done.

Mr. KING

Will it be provided that those persons who receive relief under this Order will not be disfranchised?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a question which I can hardly be expected to answer.

Mr. O'GRADY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has considered or those persons who have raised the price of coal during the panic?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir; I have not.