HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2273-4
53. Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health the number of children under the public assistance committee of the Somerset County Council who are boarded out and the number boarded in?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The number of Somerset children boarded out in the county is 132; the number of Somerset children boarded out in other areas, 11; the number of children in public assistance children's homes in the county of Somerset, 206. These numbers are exclusive of 62 Somerset children in hospitals or special schools.

Mr. GOULD

Will the Minister of Health consider the desirability of making strong representation to get the larger number, that is 200, boarded-out rather than continue the boarding-in system?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Pressure is being put on local authorities to end the boarding-in system.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

And if local authorities refuse to put an end to the system what does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do then?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Put on more pressure.