HC Deb 15 June 1921 vol 143 cc401-2
42. Mr. RENDALL

asked the Minister of Health how many Boards of Guardians have notified the Ministry during the period 1st January, 1921, to 31st May, 1921, of a departure from the Order prohibiting the granting of out-relief to able-bodied persons; how many cases have been so notified; in how many cases has the Ministry refused to ratify the departure; and is unemployment accepted as a sufficient ground for granting out-relief to able-bodied persons?

63. Brigadier-General COLVIN

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of granting out-door relief to able-bodied persons by the West Ham Board of Guardians have been reported to the Ministry during the three months prior to 31st May, 1921; in how many cases have the Ministry expressed their disapproval; what steps are taken to ensure that each case has been thoroughly investigated by the guardians; and if the fact of unemployment is accepted by the Ministry as a sufficient reason for departure from the out-door relief prohibitory Order?

Sir A. MOND

During the period 1st January to 31st May, 204 Boards of Guardians have reported 224,828 departures from the Relief Regulation Order, 1911, and during the period 1st March to 31st May the West Ham Board of Guardians have reported 57,832 departures from the Order. It is, however, impossible to say how many individual cases are represented as the same case would frequently be reported several times. In view of the exceptional conditions of industry during this period it would not have been practicable to refuse to allow such departures, but the Guardians have been instructed to exercise proper discrimination, and my officers have kept in touch with the work of the Relief Committees.

Mr. RENDALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a more definite answer to the question as to whether the fact of unemployment is accepted by the Ministry, as a sufficient ground for granting this relief to able-bodied persons, generally speaking?

Sir A. MOND

It is not for the Ministry to decide; it is a matter for the Poor Law Guardians.

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