HC Deb 27 March 1917 vol 92 c202
32. Mr. JACOBSEN

asked the Secretary of the Local Government Board whether if any municipality, county council, urban district council, or parish council is willing to undertake the distribution of certain necessaries of life such as food and coal, he will permit and facilitate such action?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

Local authorities have at present no statutory functions of the kind referred to in the quesion, but if the Government decided that the intervention of the local authorities was desirable my Noble Friend would be happy to afford any assistance in his power.

Mr. PRINGLE

In any case where local authorities desire to take action at present they would not be allowed to do so, as it would be outside the law?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

They must take the consequences of their action.