§ 33. Mr. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Mr. William Barwood, of Pontnewynydd, a man with a wife and six children, and an applicant for relief, received from the Pontypool Guardians, on Friday, the 3rd instant, a note for goods to the value of 7s.; that on making application to the relieving officer on Monday, the 6th instant, pointing out that there was no food in the house and that he and his family were starving, the relieving officer refused to make any further allowance, and that subsequently the officer for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had to provide some food for the children; and whether he will make representations to the Pontypool Guardians as to the necessity for carrying out their statutory obligation to relieve destitution?
§ Sir K. WOOD'My right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been called to this matter, but he is making inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSIs the hon. Member aware that the majority of the members of this board of guardians have a very black record, and will he see to it that until the Minister—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI suggest to the hon. Member that he ought not to make a statement of that kind in a supplementary question. Be should only ask for facts.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSWill the hon. Gentleman see to it that members of the Pontypool Board of Guardians carry out their statutory duties until such 2550 time as the Minister of Labour gives his decision as to whether miners are entitled to unemployment benefit?
§ Sir K. WOODI have no reason to believe that members of this board of guardians are not carrying out their statutory duties.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSThere is this case before you.
§ Sir K. WOODThis question simply relates to a single case, as to which I have said that we are making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.