§ 31. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to an advertisement by the Salford union for a foster-mother at the cottage homes, Culcheth, near Warrington, specifying that she must belong to the Church of England; whether this sectarian restriction has his sanction; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?
§ Mr. BURNSI have made inquiries in this matter. I understand that the foster-mother referred to is required mainly to take charge of homes to which Church of England children are sent. The appointment does not require my sanction, and in view of the large preponderance of Church of England children in these homes, I do not think I could properly interfere with the discretion of the guardians in the matter.
§ Sir W. BYLESAre the homes for Church of England children alone?
§ Mr. BURNSNo! On investigation I find that 90 per cent, of the children are Church of England and 66 per cent, of the foster-mothers; 10 per cent, of the children are Nonconformist and 33 per cent, of the foster-mothers.
§ Sir W. BYLESAre there no foster-mothers at all for the Scottish children?