§ 102. Sir R. BLAIRasked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that the ratepayers of Poplar have a redress at the next election, if he is aware that some 14,000 persons in receipt of outdoor relief are also voters, and therefore not likely to vote against the present givers of lavish relief; that out of a total rateable value of £936,871, nearly two-thirds represents hereditaments which pay rates, but are practically not represented on the electorate; and whether he is prepared to prevent persons in receipt of outdoor relief from voting at elections, and also to bring in a Bill to give adequate voting power to those who now pay two-thirds of the rates, but have no votes?
§ Sir A. MONDI have no power to prevent persons in receipt of out-relief from voting at elections. The hon. Member's suggestion for legislation involves principles which are not suitable for discussion by question and answer.
§ Sir R. BLAIRIs the right hon. Baronet's policy to do nothing until some unconstitutional action takes place and then bring in panicky legislation?
§ Sir A. MONDI do not think anything in the reply I have given ought to induce the hon. Member to take the view he has just expressed.
§ Mr. W. THORNEAre the Poor Law Guardians in Poplar in any way breaking the law?