§ 56. Mr. KIRBYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Liverpool Public Assistance Committee, at a meeting on 15th July, approved a scheme for recommendation to the Liverpool City Council for the transference of the work of the elected and co-opted members of the committee to paid officials; and whether he will decline to approve such a scheme, as making changes contrary to the wishes of a large section of the committee and depriving large numbers of the poor of approach to their publicly elected representatives who now dispense relief?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEARENo application dealing with this matter is before my right hon. Friend; and it would not be proper for him to prejudge any proposals which may reach him in the future.
§ Mr. KIRBYMay we take it for granted that before approval is given to such a scheme, the fullest inquiry will be made?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEARECertainly.
§ Mr. LOGANIs it not possible for the hon. Gentleman to give an expression of opinion whether duly elected guardians are to be deposed and relieving officers are to take their place and make assessments? Do the Government agree to such a policy?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI try to avoid expressing opinions, and confine myself to statements of fact.