It appears from Mr. Farnall's report at the last meeting
of the Central Executive Committee that pauperism is again on the increase in Lancashire, there being on the 1st inst. an in- crease of 1,229 persons in 27 unions receiving relief. Schemes of public works on which to employ the population under the Public Works Bill, however, are largely contemplated, and many will shortly be in operation. An important question was raised by Lord Egerton, who asked whether the labourers so employed would receive fair remuneration, or whether advantage would be taken of their position to restrict them to the minimum on which they could support life. The Bill is purely permissive; but Mr. Farnall stated that all those em- ployed would be treated as independent labourers, and must be struck off the relief lists. If all the works for which loans have been asked are carried out, there will be a very large demand for labour. The Board of Trade will exercise strict supervision over the works, and will require constant returns of the number employed and their wages.
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