HC Deb 29 March 1927 vol 204 cc1056-7
88. Mr. BECKETT

asked the Minister of Health whether he has ever received a request from the superseded guardians of the Chester-le-Street Union for a complete inquiry into their administration; and, if so, what answer he returned?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

The only request made to my right hon. Friend was by the Chairman of the superseded guardians in the course of a conference on the 19th October last, with a deputation representing the Durham County Federation of Divisional Labour Parties. My right hon. Friend replied that his experience of the guardians had forced him to the conclusion that he could no longer trust them, and he could see no need to inquire into the propriety of their suspension.

Mr. BECKETT

In view of the fact that an inquiry was held, from which these men were debarred, does it not appear that the Minister must have changed his mind very quickly?

Mr. R. MORRISON

Is it the policy of the Ministry of Health, where there are Labour guardians or other Labour public representatives, to hang them first and try thorn afterwards?