HC Deb 08 July 1926 vol 197 cc2238-9
21. Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that approximately 200 unemployed men have to walk each week from Golborne to Atherton, a return journey of 10 miles, for the purpose of seeking relief from the board of guardians, and whether he can take any steps to mitigate this hardship while the present condition of unemployment lasts?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I understand that the facts are as suggested in the first part of the question. The guardians have arranged that relief for the men's families shall be paid immediately after the men have appeared before the Relief Committee, thus avoiding a second weekly journey, and since this system has been introduced no complaints have been received.

22. Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Minister of Health whether any instructions have been given to boards of guardians to make the granting of relief conditional on the recipient undertaking to repay the amount granted; whether he is aware that Golborne residents, when applying for relief, have been asked to sign an agreement undertaking to pay back the relief granted and empowering his employer to deduct sums up to 5s. per week from his wages and hand the same to the collector of the guardians; and, if not, will he inquire why this is being done and issue instructions that every recipient of relief, before signing such an agreement, be informed that the signing of it is not compulsory for the purpose of receiving relief?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The question whether relief should be given on loan is a matter for the decision of the guardians themselves. In the case of the Leigh Union, I am informed that the recipients are asked at what rate per week they are prepared to repay the relief, and ordinarily sign an agreement such as is suggested. The ordinary rate of repayment is 1s. or 1s. 6d. per week, and the Clerk to the guardians has no knowledge of any case in which the rate is more than 2s. 6d. per week. I see no reason to interfere with the manner in which the guardians are exercising their discretion.

Mr. YOUNG

Was the right hon. Gentleman informed that one recipient was refused because he would not sign this agreement?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I was not informed of that.