§ 69. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health what action he has taken or proposes to take, as the result of his reception of a deputation from the London County Council on 1st December, with respect to the administration of the Poor Law in the London area; and will he state the section of the Act under which his action, if any, is taken?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe deputation which came before me on the 1st December was not from the London County Council but from the London Labour party, and I propose to communicate with the London County Council regarding certain representations laid before me by the deputation. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member is no doubt aware of my statutory responsibility under Section 1 of the Poor Law Act, 1930, and of the provisions of the Relief Regulation Order made under that Act.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman know why the London Labour party is suddenly waking up to this matter? Is it the case that the approaching London County Council elections have something to do with it?
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs there the slightest reason to believe that the London County Council are not doing their duty properly in administering the Poor Law in London?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have had to point out that the Chairman of the public assistance committee has made a statement which is not in conformity with the policy of the Government.
§ Mr. SMITHERSMay I point out that that is not an answer to ins question?