§ 32. Sir Henry Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Health why able-bodied tramps are now being kept in workhouses at the public expense; and whether he will direct them to useful war work?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)It is necessary to make provision in casual wards and other places for the reception of tramps, but the number of able-bodied men so accommodated at any one time is not very large. Arrangements are being made with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service for local officers of his Department to be kept advised of the number of able-bodied men in casual wards so that they can be placed in useful war work whenever possible.