§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the overtures made by certain Members of Parliament to the Goschen Committee in respect to the loan for which application has been made by the West Ham Board of Guardians have been unsuccessful; whether he is aware of the unrest existing in the area consequent upon the people thinking that they may be suddenly left destitute; and whether he is now prepared to concede the loan or state what assistance he proposes to give the West Ham Guardians to ensure continuity of relief?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has offered the West Ham Guardians on conditions recommended to him by the Goschen Committee a further loan to cover their excess expenditure for the current half-year. He is not prepared to amend the offer which he has made and which is still open to the guardians, if they choose to accept it. My right hon. Friend appreciates the efforts made by the local members to arrive at a settlement in this matter. He trusts that 1733W those efforts may still be continued and that the guardians may be induced to adopt a reasonable attitude.