§ 58. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he has now made inquiries into the decision of the Bolton Board of Guardians declining to continue to relieve distress among miners' wives and dependants; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend finds that the Bolton Board of Guardians have decided that the relief required by the wives and dependants of miners shall only be given in institutions. A number of orders for admission to institutions have been issued but these have not been acted upon. My right hon. Friend does not propose to take any action in the matter.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the fact that the Minister has taken action in Lichfield on a similar case, can he say what are the reasons for differentiation between that case and this?
§ Sir K. WOODThere is a very considerable difference between the action of the two authorities. In the Lichfield case a Resolution was passed declining to give any relief whatever. In the case to which the hon. Member refers, the guardians are carrying out their duties.
§ Mr. DAVIESAm I to understand therefore, that if no application for admission into an institution by a miner's wife or dependant is made, the Bolton Board of Guardians will not pay any relief at all in cases of distress; and is that in conformity with the law?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, the board of guardians in this case are acting within their discretion and my right hon. Friend does not propose to interfere.
§ Mr. DAVIESIs it not the fact that a board of guardians is compelled by law to relieve distress?
§ Sir K. WOODYes. That is what the board of guardians are doing in this case.
§ Mr. B. SMITHIf application is math, for institutional relief, and the guardians have not found that relief, what are they doing in the interim?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is another question altogether. In this case orders for relief have been issued, but not acted upon.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs it the case that women and children must enter either a Poor Law or some similar institution before relief can he granted, and further, under what powers do local authorities or boards of guardians possess this power?
§ Sir K. WOODPower has been conferred upon them for a very long time now, and they are acting fully within their discretion.
§ Mr. WEBBDo the orders for institutional relief issued by these boards of guardians require the husband and father to enter with the wife and dependants, or not?
§ Sir K. WOODI must ask the right hon. Gentleman to give me notice.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the unsatisfactory replies received, I beg to give notice that I will call attention to the subject at the earliest possible opportunity.