§ 46. Mr. BRIANTasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the divergence of opinion on the proposals for Poor Law reform outlined by the Minister of Health and the opposition which has been evoked, notwithstanding the general desire for an alteration in the methods of relief of distress, he will consider the desirability of appointing a Committee of Members of the House, representing all parties, in order to ascertain if it is possible to arrive at an agreed Measure on the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right hon. friend has adopted the plan of publishing his provisional proposals, with the express object of obtaining suggestions from those experienced in local government and Poor Law administration, which will lead to a scheme commanding as large a measure of agreement as is possible in a matter of this kind. I do not think that such a Committee as the hon. Member proposes is desirable at the present time.
§ Mr. BRIANTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor had agreed to such a suggestion, and that negotiations passed regarding the appointment of such a committee, and does he not think it would be worth trying?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe that my right hon. Friend's procedure, having regard to the time before him, is the wisest to take at this time, and my answer was that such a committee as is proposed is not in his opinion desirable at the present time.
§ 78. Mr. VIANTasked the Minister of Health whether, in the Bill for the reform of the Poor Law, which he proposes to introduce, he will preserve the legal right given by 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, of every destitute person to receive necessary relief?
§ Sir K. WOODI would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to previous questions on this subject, of which I am sending him copies.