HC Deb 17 March 1913 vol 50 c694
30. Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked whether girls below the age of twenty-one in receipt of weekly wages can be forced to contribute to the support of their parents in an asylum or workhouse; and, if so, whether any account is taken, in making the order, of the amount of wage earned or of the age of the girl?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis)

The enactment which renders children liable for the maintenance of their parents, if of sufficient ability, contains no limitations as to age or sex. It is, however, open to the justices to whom any application for an order is made to take into account all the circumstances of the particular case.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether there were recently two girls at Kilburn of eighteen and fifteen years of age receiving altogether 15s. a week, who were charged for the support of their parents?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice should be given of the question. The hon. Gentleman cannot be expected to bear all these matters in mind.