Local Government Board

A department of State In Great Britain created In 1871 to concentrate In one department of the government the supervision of the laws relating to public health, the relief of the poor, and local government. The president is usually a member of the cabinet and has a staff of perifianent assistants. The lord president of the council, all the secretaries of state, the lord privy seal, and the chancellor of the exchequer are ex officio members. It has the power of making regulations which have the effect of statutes. It has complete control in poor law matters; very important powers relating to the pollution of streams; the adulteration of food, etc.; vaccination; the supervision of loans by local authorities and auditing their accounts. Local authorities may ask its advice; it may investigate as to the outbreak of diseases; and must report specially as to all bills relating to public matters. fc Jee 7 Encyc. Laws of England.