HC Deb 02 April 1928 vol 215 c1590
42. Mr. REMER

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of introducing a Bill with the object of providing that a member of a board of guardians who deliberately neglects the,portion of his or her duties which deals specifically with the actual granting of outdoor relief shall be prohibited from seeking re-election when the period for which such person is elected expires or, alternatively, shall after a given period has expired be disqualified from continuing to serve as a guardian?

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

My right hon. Friend does not think that a provision of this kind which it would be difficult to work in practice would materially help towards the improved, administration which my hon. Friend no doubt has in mind.

Mr. REMER

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that for the six months prior to the last few days 11 members of the Manchester City Board of Guardians deliberately absented themselves from doing this work?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many hon. Members of this House who often fail to put in an appearance and that many of them only attend now and again?

Sir K. WOOD

I have heard of the statement referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer), and I hope the ratepayers will take notice of it at the next election.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that in some cases where the guardians do attend and do their duty they are disfranchised?