§ 28. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the West Ham Poor Law Commissioners have decided to reduce the scale of relief by 10 per cent; that hardship will be inflicted on poor people and old age pensioners in consequence; that the scale of relief operating in West Ham is lower than that paid in the city of Birmingham; and if he will take any action in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is informed that the West Ham Guardians have reduced the scale of relief by 10 per cent. in the case only of persons who are able-bodied and perfectly fit for work. Most, if not all, of these have been in receipt of relief for several years. Further, all the cases in which the reduction is likely to effect hardship are to be referred to the guardians themselves for consideration and decision. Old age pensioners and the poor other than the able-bodied poor are not affected. The scale in force in Birmingham is in certain respects somewhat higher than that used in West Ham, but the application of scales of relief is subject to so many qualifications that my right hon. Friend does not think that any useful comparison can be made. My right hon. Friend sees no reason for taking action.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, when this 10 per cent. cut comes into operation, it will mean that a man and his wife with six children will get 26s. a week, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the worst form of cruelty is by starvation?
§ Sir K. WOODI think the hon. Member has overlooked that part of my reply in which I said that any cases in which the reduction is likely to effect hardship are referred to the guardians themselves for consideration.
§ Mr. THORNEOf course, but they will get no redress.
§ Sir K. WOODThat is not the case at all. The administration of the guardians in West Ham has, I think, met with general approval.
§ Mr. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Health has stated over and over again that, so far as the Commissioners at West Ham are concerned, he has no control over them at all, and they can do just what they like?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is no reason why we should not express approval of their action.