§ 55. Mr. COMPTONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, following reduced scales of relief in the Manchester Union, a number of the guardians have declined to be associated with the administration of relief on the new scales; and whether it is proposed to take any action?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have seen newspaper reports to the effect suggested in the question, but I have received no representations from the guardians in the matter, and it does not, at present, appear to be one in which there is need for any action on my part.
§ Mr. COMPTONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider it his duty to pee that relief is being properly administered, and is he satisfied that he can reduce the number of guardians who take part in administering relief?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn the case of appointed guardians we find that three guardians are sufficient to administer relief.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it is his bounden duty to interfere with a scale of relief where that scale is almost starvation rate?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEHas the Department had under consideration certain cases where relief is given only in kind and not in money? Where there is no other income for the family and rent has to be paid, is that a method of trying to drive the family into the workhouse?
§ 56. Mr. COMPTONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the booklet issued by the Manchester Union containing Regulations for the administration of outdoor relief; if he is aware that on page 7 it is provided 700 that destitute able-bodied single men and women shall, after a limited period, be given an order for the house (institution order), and that in other cases whole-time test work shall be imposed; whether he has sanctioned these measures; and what action it is proposed that the Ministry of Health shall take?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have not seen the booklet referred to, but I have sent for a copy. In the meantime, the provisions cited in the question do not appear to contravene any Regulations now in force or to call for any action on my part.
§ Mr. COMPTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department has for many weeks past had inspectors sitting along with certain guardians to see that they do not reach the maximum scale in giving relief to poor people?
§ Mr. SPEAKERLord Henry Cavendish-Bentinck.
§ Mr. COMPTONIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take the earliest opportunity of raising this question on the Adjournment.