§ 40. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the new Poor Law guardians for the Metropolitan area will not be elected until 2nd April, he will postpone the further stages of the Local Authorities (Emergency Provisions) Bill, which vitally affects their powers, until they have had an opportunity of considering the provi- 553 sion of the Bill and of making representations, if they so wish, with regard to it?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIn view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has not consulted the boards of guardians or the London County Council, will he, before the Third Reading, consult the County Council in view of the report condemning the whole scheme which has been placed before the Council by the clerk and other responsible officers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the County Council wish to make any representations to me, I shall be glad to receive them.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWhat will be the use of representations if the Bill is passed? Why will the right hon. Gentleman not ask the opinion of the County Council and other responsible authorities in London before putting the Bill through?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe County Council will have plenty of time between now and the Third Reading to submit any representations they like.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWhy is the House of Commons engaged in the discussion of a Bill in support of which the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well no authority in London has a word to say?