9. Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Pensions what was his reply to the Gates-head Board of Guardians as to the propriety of taking into consideration naval and military pensions when fixing Poor Law relief; and whether he has been consulted by any other boards of guardians?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. Member refers, I presume, to a reply which was 1884 addressed to the board of guardians referred to on the 5th October last, in response to an inquiry from the board as to a supposed discrepancy between statements made by my Department and those given by the Minister of Health, with respect to the manner in which children's pensions or allowances payable under the Warrant should be regarded in connection with the administration of poor relief. The board were informed that a pension awarded to a child was intended for the entire maintenance of the child, but that it was not for my Department to advise guardians how the income of individual members of a household should be regarded for purposes of relief. No similar communication from any other board of guardians can be traced.
Mr. BECKETTDoes that mean that pensions are to be regarded in the consideration of Poor Law relief, or not?
§ Major TRYONIt means that the matter is not one for my Department, but for the Ministry of Health.
Mr. BECKETTDoes it mean that pensions are a subject to be taken into consideration by the guardians or not?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another question.