§ 38. Major OWENasked the Minister of Health whether, in his new Bill for consolidation of the Poor Law, he will preserve the legal right of the necessitous poor to relief given by 43 Elizabeth, c. 2, and all the responsibilities of the guardians if they fail to give it; the legal responsibilities of the relieving officers if they fail to give it in cases of sudden or 1844 urgent necessity; and of the overseers if they fail to give it in those cases where by law they are bound to give it?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is not within the scope of a consolidating Bill to make any amendments of substance in the law which it consolidates. All existing rights and responsibilities will, therefore, remain intact.
§ 41. Mr. SCURRasked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to introduce the Poor Law Reform Bill this Session?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir.
§ Mr. SCURRDoes the hon. Gentleman not think it would be convenient for the authorities to have the actual proposals of the Ministry before them?
§ Sir K. WOODThat might be a desirable course to take.