§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether it is the fact that the accommodation provided for imbecile children by the Metropolitan Asylums Board is insufficient for the needs of the metropolis; and, whether the Board has an unoccupied asylum at Hampstead; and, if so, whether this asylum might not be utilised for the reception of imbecile children?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)It is the fact that the accommodation provided for imbecile children by the Metropolitan Asylums Board is at present insufficient for the needs of the Metropolis. But the Managers are now extending the schools for imbecile children at Darenth. I understand that the buildings will be completed this summer, and it is expected that, when finished, they will afford the accommodation required for children of this class. The Managers have an asylum at Hampstead which is not at this moment occupied; but in the event of any serious increase of fever in the Metropolis it would, no doubt, be necessary to use that asylum for fever patients.