asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that when sick persons are admitted to the West Ham Poor Law Hospital their old age pension book is taken from them, retained by the relieving officer, and such amounts of money as may be due to the sick person in such respect taken, without consent of the persons, as part cost of the patient's maintenance; and whether he will issue instructions to cease such practice?

I have made inquiries in regard to this question, and I am informed that the written authority of the pensioners is always obtained before old age pension money is drawn on their behalf by officers of the board of guardians, and that no coercion whatever is used to obtain the pensioner's consent. There appears to be, therefore, no ground for my intervention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself that there is no coercion?

If any hon. Member will submit evidence to me, I will investigate the matter.