§ 67. Mr. VIANTasked the Minister of Health whether in view of the services performed in the relief of destitution during the recent coal dispute being national in character, and that the early liquidation of the debts incurred is of urgency to and to the benefit of the nation as a whole, he will recommend that financial assistance be given by the Treasury to those unions which have had to bear the cost?
§ Sir K. WOODFor the reasons which my right hon. Friend stated to the House at length in the debate on the address on 11th February, he is not prepared to recommend that specific Exchequer assistance should be given in aid of Poor Law expenditure.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a precedent has already been created in this respect by the grant made to Scotland?
§ Sir K. WOODNo doubt we shall be able to debate that matter this evening.