§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the President of the Local Government Board whether 406W any, and, if so, what steps are being taken by the boards of guardians to meet the exceptional distress in the North Staffordshire potteries under Articles X or XI. of the Relief Regulation Order; and what assistance the Board are giving to enable the locality to meet the exceptional distress?
§ Mr. BURNSThe boards of guardians have been fully acquainted with their powers and duties in regard to meeting exceptional distress, and I understand that they are preparing, as far as possible, for all emergencies. I understand that a large amount of charitable assistance is being given; and my inspector is impressing upon the various boards of guardians the necessity of co-operating as closely as possible with the charitable organisations. In the rural unions affected, where charitable funds are not so largely available, the relieving officers have been providing food and necessities for the families of men destitute through the strike.