§ Dr. SALTERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the recent action of the Ministry of Labour with regard to the payment of unemployment benefit has resulted in an additional charge on the parish of Bermondsey of nearly £600 per week consequent upon 2050W men disqualified for unemployment pay being compelled to seek Poor Law relief during the last few weeks; that the guardians have been obliged to increase the poor rate by 3d. in the £ and that a further increase is anticipated in the future; and whether he will assist poverty-stricken boroughs like Bermondsey by taking the necessary action to augment the amount payable from the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has not previously had before him the figures quoted by the hon. Member, but on his present information he sees no sufficient reason for amending in the manner proposed the provisions of the Local Government (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1924, which govern the administration of the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund.