HC Deb 22 July 1926 vol 198 cc1425-7
Mr. JAMES BROWN

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Ayr Parish Council has stopped the payment of relief to miners' wives and children, and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Major ELLIOT

My right hon. Friend is making inquiry and he will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as he has ascertained the facts.

Mr. BROWN

I assume the right hon. Gentleman will expedite the inquiries, so that there will be as little hardship as possible?

Major ELLIOT

We are making inquiries by telegraph.

Mr. A. GREENWOOD

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received any reply from the Lichfield Guardians to the letter he addressed to them on 12th July; whether he is aware that the guardians, since receiving the letter, persisted in diminishing their scale of relief, and that the board are to meet to-morrow to take a final decision on the question of entirely suspending out-relief to miners' wives and children, and what action he proposes to take?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, I am awaiting the report of the decision which the guardians will take tomorrow.

Mr. GREENWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that to-morrow there may be no relief whatever for miners' wives and children, and is not the board of guardians really abrogating its functions and duties?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think that is passing a verdict before the evidence has been heard.

Mr. GREENWOOD

Is it not part of the statutory duties of a board of guardians to relieve destitution, and has not this board definitely declared its intention, after this week, to grant no further relief to miners' wives and children?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already called the attention of this board to what are their statutory duties, and that is I understand the subject of their consideration at their meeting to-morrow.

Mr. GREENWOOD

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment to-night.

Mr. SPEAKER

A similar notice has been given by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies).

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