HC Deb 08 December 1925 vol 189 cc248-9
64. Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELS

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been called to the action of the Scottish Board of Health in refusing sanction to parish councils in the shale oil areas to give relief to men affected by the present trade dispute; and if he will accede to the request of the local authorities that they should be permitted to give relief at least until the umpire's decision has been given?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am advised that under the circumstances of the present-trade dispute it cannot be considered that the men directly concerned in the dispute who applied for relief to the parish council were unable to obtain employment in the sense of the Poor Law Emergency Provisions Act, 1921. Accordingly when application was made to the Board by certain parish councils for sanction to overdraw their bank accounts to provide for the expense of relief to be given by them under the above Act, the Board considered it to be their duty to call the attention of parish councils to the illegality of granting such relief, and I regret that under the circumstances I am unable to accede to the request that has been made by the pariah councils.

Dr. SHIELS

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that it has not yet been determined whether this dispute is a strike or a lockout, and why should the Board of Health have taken sides in the matter before the point is determined?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Certainly that is the description which the hon. Member gives to the matter, but I am advised that the Board is pursuing the proper course.

Mr. WESTWOOD

In the circular issued by the Board of Health, did the Board draw the attention of the parish councils to the fact that they can give relief for the children and the womenfolk?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am certain that the parish councils are well aware—conferences took place—of the circumstances under which they can give relief.

Mr. WESTWOOD

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question. In the circular issued did the Board draw the attention of the parish councils to the power they had to help the women and the children?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The best way would be for me to send a copy of the letter to the hon. Gentleman.