asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a number of boards of guardians are declining to give any relief to single men during the gap period on the ground that they should have made provision out of the payment of the weekly sum of 15s. received under the Insurance Act; and whether he will take steps in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is aware that in certain cases the guardians decline to give out-door relief to single men, though not, so far as he is aware, on the ground suggested in the question. The matter is one within the discretion of the guardians, and he does not propose to take any action.