§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ *EARL STANHOPEMy Lords, the Bill which I ask your Lordships to give a Second Reading to is one of extremely small dimensions; it consists practically of two clauses. The object of the Bill is to enable boards of guardians to contribute annually towards the expenses of the Poor Law Unions Association. These associations are really only of a consultative character. Their object is to confer about all questions appertaining to the powers and duties of guardians, and also to improvements in the machinery for the carrying out of the poor law provisions. Therefore they are entirely consultative. Similar powers have been given to county councils, who are allowed to subscribe towards central associations for the same purpose. Municipal corporations have the same power, and this Bill is really to make a more representative assembly than has hitherto prevailed in connection with' the poor law—a more truly representative body than the central committees. It is possible that the central committees of boards of guardians for the district may continue, but when a wide question of poor law administration is required to be discussed this association, which will be authorised by the Local Government Board, will come into existence, and will be really of a very useful character. I may say that the central committees of boards of guardians have existed since the year 1870, and I suppose many of your Lordships have attended such committees. The Local Government Board favours this proposal. It is very care- 605 fully guarded. The sum proposed to be contributed by each board of guardians is not to exceed £5. It is not to be spent at all, unless the board of guardians approves of the proposal at a meeting specially convened, and the two representatives are to be chosen by a resolution. I may say, my Lords, this Bill has been thoroughly considered in another place. It has been before the Standing Committee of the House of Commons, and after some consideration was carried. I trust that, because it is a simple matter, and a matter which really conduces to the good administration of the poor law, your Lordships will be disposed to give it a Second Reading. I therefore beg to move that this Bill be read a second time.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the whole House.