§ 66. Mr. ANDERSONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the rise in price of food, coal, and other commodities, any circular has been issued to boards of guardians recommending an increase in the scale of out-door relief; whether certain localities are exercising their discretion and increasing relief; and whether, if no national action has yet been taken, he will give favourable consideration to the need for a uniform recommendation?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)The Local Government Board have not thought it necessary to issue any special circular on this subject. Guardians are well aware, from previous circulars, that in the view of the Board it is their duty, in fixing the amount of out-relief, to have regard to the cost of living in the locality. I shall, however, carefully watch the matter.