HC Deb 17 March 1927 vol 203 cc2180-1
28. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Health what reduction of expenditure has been effected in West Ham since the appointment of Special Commissioners, eight months ago, in place of the elected guardians; and whether it is his intention to appoint Commissioners in other Poor Law unions where similar conditions exist?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It will not be possible to state precisely what reduction of expenditure has been effected in West Ham by the present board of guardians until the accounts to 31st March, 1927, have been finally made up, but it is estimated that the reduction will be at the rate of about £800,000 a year. I am afraid I cannot make any statement on the last part of the question, except to say that I hope the need for action on my part in other cases will not arise.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the reply sent by the Poor Law Union officers to the statement he has just made?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. Member must be referring to some other place than West Ham. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, West Ham!"]

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very misleading pamphlet on this subject has been issued to all Members of Parliament to-day?

Mr. RILEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that in the Press this week certain local boards of guardians have been specified as coming within his contemplation? Is there any foundation for that?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member was not in his place. We have had that question already.