I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board respecting the circular issued by his Department in August, 1900, stating that aged deserving persons should not be urged to enter the workhouse at all, but should be relieved by having adequate outdoor relief granted to them, whether his information shows that guardians act upon the circular; and whether pending other promised provision for the aged poor, he will consider the issue of a further circular to guardians suggesting reasonable outdoor assistance sufficient to meet the costs of shelter and food in these cases.

The view expressed in the circular was, I think, somewhat more restricted than that stated in the Question. My information tends to show that action has been taken as the result of it. I think that any question of issuing any further circular on the subject to which my hon. friend refers should be deferred pending the Report of the Royal Commission on the Poor Law.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware I have quoted his exact words from the circular?

I shall be pleased to hand the hon. Member a copy of the original circular, which I think he will find bears out my interpretation.