§ 73. Mr. THURTLEasked the Minister of Health if his Department has approved the practice of boards of guardians granting outdoor relief to married men, with families, who have served sentences of imprisonment in respect of criminal offences?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. As a result of recent investigation, a few such cases have been brought to my right hon. Friend's notice, and he has drawn the attention of the guardians to these cases.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs it the policy of the Minister of Health not to approve the granting of outdoor relief to married criminals?
§ Sir K. WOODThe hon. Gentleman had better read my answer.
§ Mr. THURTLECannot the hon. Gentleman say whether or not his Department approve of the granting of outdoor relief to married criminals?
§ Sir K. WOODI have already stated that we do not approve the practice of granting outdoor relief to married men, with families, who have served sentences in respect of criminal offences.
§ Mr. OLIVERCan the hon. Gentleman and his Department justify a policy which 2099 means that after a man has served a penalty for a crime he should proceed to starve?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is not the alternative.
§ Mr. OLIVERThat is what you stated.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not advisable that criminals should not marry in case they transmit the taint of their criminal propensities?