§ Mr. LONGDENasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the coming winter-time and of the fact that the more immediate needs of the unemployed cannot be improved substantially before next March, he will make representations to the guardians of the poor as to the necessity for treating the recipients of poor relief as generously as the limits of the law permit?
§ Miss LAWRENCEIn a circular issued by the Local Government Board in 1910 emphasis was laid on the plain duty of the guardians to secure that relief was adequate in amount, and that the recipient was sufficiently fed, clothed, and lodged. This expression of the guardians' duty, which includes the duty of providing for any special needs such as may be occasioned by winter conditions, accords with the present policy of the Department. 65W My right hon. Friend does not think it necessary to issue a, further circular on the subject, but he has instructed his inspectors, where necessary, to bring the matter prominently to the notice of boards of guardians.