§ Mr. THURTLEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that when local authorities grant allowances of milk tinder the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, Poor Law guardians are compelled, by the instructions of the Ministry of Health, to take such allowances into consideration when granting outdoor relief to the families concerned; is he aware that allowances of milk are only granted where the medical officer is satisfied that a supply is essential on grounds of health and is intended to be supplemental to the usual diet; and will he therefore take such steps as may be necessary to free boards of guardians from the obligation of making deductions of relief in respect of such allowances of milk?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYIt is the duty of a board of guardians, in considering an application for relief, to take into account, subject to certain statutory exceptions, all means available to the applicant. This is a legal obligation and does not depend upon any instructions issued by my Department, and accordingly I have no authority to dispense with it.