§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Poor Law guardians throughout South Wales are systematically refusing to grant relief to surface workers, and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo facts have come to my notice indicating that the guardians are not complying with the law in this matter and in the circumstances I do not propose to take any action.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Commissioners in charge of the Poor Law area for Chester-le-Street, Durham, have reduced the allowance to wives of coal miners now locked out from 12s. to 8s. per week; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI understand that the Chester-le-Street Board of Guardians have made this alteration. The matter is one within the discretion of the guardians, and I do not intend to take any action.
§ Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Burton-on-Trent Poor Law Guardians have decided to reduce the scale of relief by 25 per cent. at once and a further reduction of 25 per cent. in two weeks' time, and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
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Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have seen a newspaper report that the Burton-on-Trent Board of Guardians have taken this decision. The matter is one within the discretion of the Guardians, and at present I see no ground for my intervention.