§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the circular letter of the Comptroller of the London County Council, dated the 13th instant, relating to the grants to boards of guardians under Sections 24 and 43 of The Local Government Act, 1888; whether he is aware that it is therein stated that on account of the deficiency in the Exchequer Contribution Account the council have decided to make payments on account only, varying from 80 per cent. to 75 per cent. in respect of the grants payable under Section 24; whether he is aware that this will entail loss on the ratepayers of London; and what further sum will be available for the purpose 1673W of making good the grants for teachers in Poor Law schools, registrars of births and deaths, and pauper lunatics?
§ Mr. BURNSMy attention has been drawn to this circular letter by various Boards of Guardians, and I am aware of the decision at which the county council have arrived in regard to the payments under Section 24 of the Act referred to. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject.