§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if the West Ham Board of Guardians have, by 36 votes to 10, refused to comply with the request of his Department to modify the scale of out-relief; if the suggested scale of relief is 24s. per week for a man and wife and 4s. for each child up to a maximum of 49s. a week, exclusive of 1s. 6d. for coal or its equivalent; and what action he now proposes to take in regard to the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware that the guardians have decided not to take any steps which will result in a substantial reduction of their expenditure. The scale to which the hon. Member refers is, I understand, a scale which was suggested by the West Ham Guardians in substitution for their present scale. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 21st instant, it is my right hon. Friend's intention to apply to Parliament for further powers to deal with the situation, and proposals for legislation will be submitted in the House at a very early date.
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