On the present state of the law of settlement and removal of paupers in Scotland
Citation:
Alison, William P. 'On the present state of the law of settlement and removal of paupers in Scotland'. - Dublin: Transactions of the Dublin Statistical Society, Vol III Session 5, 1851/1852, pp.1-16Download Item:
Abstract:
It is well known that the part of the Legal Provision of the Poor
which regulates their settlement, i.e., the district of the country from
which each family may claim relief, is at present widely different
in the three great divisions of Her Majesty's dominions. In England,
the statute law on the subject is so complex, that it has long ago
been stated by Dr. Burn "to be the work of an age to ascertain
the law regarding settlements"; but the practical result of this
excessive complication, to a great proportion of the natives of the
country?I believe particularly to agricultural labourers?has been
nearly the same as if there had been no settlement but by birth.
"It is nearly useless for a working man," says Mr. Eevans, long
officially familiar with the English Poor-law, "to attempt to obtain
work beyond the bounds of his parish." In Scotland, a settlement
is acquired at present by five years' residence and independent
industry in any one parish (although under conditions of which I
shall say a few words presently); while in Ireland there is no law
enforcing settlement in any one parish or union; although every
union, in which a person falls destitute and applies for relief, is
bound to give relief, at least by admission to the workhouse.
Description:
Read at the statistical section of the British association at Belfast, on Monday, 6th September, 1852
Author: Alison, William P.
Publisher:
Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of IrelandType of material:
Journal articleCollections
Series/Report no:
Journal of The Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of IrelandVol. III Session 5 1851/1852
Availability:
Full text availableKeywords:
Scottish poor law, Settlement lawISSN:
00814776Metadata
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