HC Deb 18 November 1926 vol 199 cc1945-7
27. Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians not to allow any boys under their control to join any of His Majesty's forces, and what steps he proposes to take to prevent authorities entrusted with the expenditure of public money adopting such a policy?

Mr. BECKETT

On a point of Order. In view of your ruling of last week, Sir, with regard to questions which can be asked in this House concerning authorities subject to local election and control, and in view of the fact that an hon. Member on this side was unable to proceed with a question regarding the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians, may I ask whether this question is in Order?

Mr. SPEAKER

This question is repeated from last week, and was already on the Paper then. I should like to near from the Minister whether he has any power in this matter. I am not clear in my own mind as to whether this is purely a matter for the local authority, or whether the Minister bears any of the responsibility.

Mr. BECKETT

With every respect to you, Sir, may I remind you that on another occasion, when we were discussing the right of Members of this House to ask questions about the power of inspectors of local constabulary, it was ruled—and I am not questioning the ruling—that although the Home Office make a substantial grant, and should have some say as to the doings of these people, questions regarding them were not in order.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is quite right in saying that I deprecate questions in this House on matters which are in the province of local authorities. In this case I must hear what the Minister has to say. I cannot be expected to be acquainted with the position.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware of this decision and, in view of the good prospects open to boys who join the Services, I much regret it. Boys who have been formally adopted by the guardians are subject to their control until they reach the age of 18, and I have no power to intervene in such cases. But the guardians have no right or power to interfere with the desires of such boys after that age, or with boys who have not been adopted after they have ceased to be chargeable.

Sir F. HALL

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the Bethnal Green Guardians the reply which he has been good enough to give here?

Sir JOSEPH NALL

On a point of Order. Do you allow questions to be put where it is indicated that the action of a body of this kind indicates disloyalty to the Crown?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot take upon our shoulders all the shortcomings, if such there be, of local authorities which are acting within their proper powers.

Sir F. HALL

But surely this is a most flagrant case!

Mr. THURTLE

Is it to be understood that when a local authority refuses to provide cheap flesh and blood for the defence of property—

HON. MEMBERS

Order!

Mr. SPEAKER

I deprecate bringing the arguments that might be used in the council chamber on such a subject on to the Floor of this House.

Mr. BECKETT

On a point of Order. Seeing that we had to wait for your decision till the Minister had spoken, I should like to ask if a question which appeared to you to be doubtful when first asked is improved because the Minister takes the opportunity to state to the House and Io you that he has no power in the matter, and then proceeds to deliver a homily to the guardians, in doing which he does admit responsibility?

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members all seem to be anxious to perform other people's duties as well as their own.