HC Deb 04 February 1926 vol 191 cc312-4
53. Mr. DALTON

asked the Prime Minister whether any proposal for depriving persons in receipt of poor relief of either the Parliamentary or the local government vote has yet been considered by His Majesty's Government; and whether he hopes to introduce legislation on the subject during the present Session?

54. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill in the present Session for the disenfranchisement of all persons in receipt of Poor Law relief?

57. Mr. N. MACLEAN

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have prepared a Bill to disfranchise any person, or certain persons, who have been compelled to accept poor relief from boards of guardians or parish councils; and, if so, whether he can state when such a Bill will be introduced?

61. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation this Session with the object of disenfranchising recipients of outdoor relief?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have been asked to reply. Representations have been made to me on this matter, and I am in consultation with the Minister of Health. The question has not as yet been considered by the Government, and it is not possible to make any statement at present.

Mr. DALTON

May we take it from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that there is no guarantee that these persons will not be disfranchised?

Mr. LAWSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this proposal is carried into effect men who were in the forefront of the fighting for the defence of this country will be deprived of their votes?

Mr. MACLEAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a statement has appeared that a Bill has been prepared by the Government to be brought into operation this Session? Is that to be taken as a fact, or does he deny that a Bill has already been prepared?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The hon. Member might take the answer I have given him. The answer is that I am in consultation with the Minister of Health. The question has not been considered by the Government, and therefore no Bill has been prepared. All relevant considerations will be very carefully considered by my colleague and myself before we put any proposals before the Cabinet.

Mr. MACLEAN

May I ask why that statement was not made to the public Press of this country when the Sunday Press actually made a definite statement that such a Bill had been prepared, and was given over to the charge of the Minister of Health?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister cannot be responsible for the Sunday Press.