§ 11. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Poor Law inspectors are taking into account the full amount of friendly society benefits paid to members in assessing the amount of relief to be granted when application for such relief is made; that The Out-door Relief (Friendly Societies) Act, 1904, only allows boards of guardians to take into consideration sums received from friendly societies in so far as such sums exceed 5s. a week; and that this Act does not apply to Scotland; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take to extend the provisions of the foregoing Act to Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware that the legal position is as stated by the hon. Member. I understand, however, that the practice of parish councils varies, some taking into account only part of any 785 benefit received from friendly societies. As at present advised, I am not prepared to take any action to extend the statutory provisions to Scotland.
§ Major COLFOXCan the right hon. Gentleman say how the guardians of the poor are to arrive at decisions without taking into consideration every sort of income of the applicant?