§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the application of the Southwark Borough Council to secure an overdraft of £105,000 to meet the extraordinary expenditure of the guardians has been refused; that the overdraft is necessary in connection with the Poor Law administration; that there is an increase of 2s. 8d. in the rates to cover the guardians' precept of £305,000, although assessments have been raised; that the majority of boards of guardians in large industrial centres have been compelled to increase the Poor Law rate, in consequence of about 200,000 men and women being refused extended unemployment benefit; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend cannot accept an application from the Southwark Borough Council that they should be allowed to borrow in respect of the expenditure of another body, and he has received no application from the Southwark Board of Guardians for sanction to any temporary borrowing in respect of their current expenditure. My right hon. Friend is not aware that there has been any such general increase of the poor rates in large industrial centres as is suggested.