HC Deb 01 July 1926 vol 197 cc1321-2
23. Sir F. HALL

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are instances in London in which in the same house there is a man with children receiving 47s. a week as out-relief, and a man, also with a family, working and receiving only 44s. a week as wages; and whether the Government will introduce legislation to amend the present system of out-door relief which causes these anomalies?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware of actual instances of the kind suggested, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars, I should be glad to go into the matter with the board of guardians concerned.

Sir F. HALL

When I send the right hon. Gentleman the particulars, will he take steps to discourage men from obtaining money for nothing?

HON. MEMBERS

What about the royalty owners?

Mr. LANSBURY

Is it not a fact that it is the duty of the auditor and not the duty of the Minister to see that money is not given illegally?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is the duty of the district auditor to consider all items of expenditure, and to surcharge for any which in his opinion have been wrongly incurred.

Mr. MARCH

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this wage is a good wage for a man who is doing work?

Sir F. HALL

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable that the law should be such, that a man can get more for not working, than for doing an honest day's work?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Arising out of the reply of the Minister which we did not hear—may I ask if it is not the fact that there are nearly 300 people in this country who have £3,000 per week and 1,000 people in this country who have £2,000 a week, for doing nothing?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

It belongs to them.

Mr. SPEAKER

That seems to be rather a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.