§ 39. Sir G. TOULMINasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that a widow is receiving from the Hailsham Guardians 15s. per week for herself and five children under eight years of age, the youngest being nine and a half months old; that she has to pay 5s. per week for rent, thus leaving 10s. per week for food, fuel, light, and clothing of six persons; that but for the occasional assistance of a widowed sister and of two elder children of fifteen and thirteen she and her younger children would starve; and whether he will take steps to see that an adequate sum is allowed her, so that her home may not be broken up and she and her children forced into the workhouse or the children be separated from her and sent to institutions?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Stephen Walsh)My right hon. Friend has made inquiries into this case and learns that an increase has now been made in the weekly relief. The case is somewhat complicated, and, if desired, I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the correspondence that has passed, from which it will be seen that the Poor Law officials have shown every desire to deal sympathetically in the matter, having regard to all the circumstances.