§ Mr. W. R. SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Bramley, Leeds, Board of Guardians in dismissing four of their officers on the ground that they have children residing with them at the Poor Law institution; and whether, in view of the effect of such action upon the best interests of the nation, he will take steps to prevent these dismissals taking place?
§ Mr. SITCHasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to 923W the action of the Bramley Board of Guardians in serving upon its resident porter and his wife one month's notice to terminate their appointments because they cannot see their way to comply with the Board's instruction, issued on the grounds of discipline, that they must place their seven-weeks-old son in the charge of some person outside the institution; is he aware that the same Board has also served a similar notice on the resident attendant and his wife, who have a child of three years living with them; and can he see his way to advise the Board to reconsider its decision with the view to preventing the discharge of these public servants?
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, Sir, and I have intimated to the guardians that I could not support them in such action as they are said to contemplate. But the matter, I regret to say, is not one in which I have power to issue a prohibition or direction to the guardians.
§ Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the guardians of the Bramley Union, Leeds, that in the best interest of the institution, and of the discipline, as well as for the future benefit of the child, it is desirable that Mr. and Mrs. Jackson should make preparation for placing out their child under proper care, to be maintained outside the institution, the same to take effect not later than the 1st March next, and they recommend that directions be given accordingly; if he is aware that in consequence of the refusal of the porter and portress named to part with their child they have received a month's notice for the termination of their appointment; if a similar notice has been served on Mr. and Mrs. Parker, male and female attendants of the same union, who have a child of three years of age resident with them; and if he will take immediate steps to prevent this policy of that board being carried out and secure the reinstatement of the officers named?
§ Dr. ADDISONMay I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to the hon. Member for the Wellingborough Division (Mr. W. R. Smith).