HC Deb 07 May 1931 vol 252 cc587-8W
Mr. WINTERTON

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the conditions at Loughborough Poor Law Institution where men on tramp are required to sleep in hammocks instead of proper beds; and whether he will intimate to the Poor Law authorities in Leicestershire that they must comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Health an that and other respects?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I am aware that at present the cubicles and one of the men's dormitories of the Loughborough Casual Wards are supplied only with hammocks or mattresses. In the other men's dormitory and in the women's ward there are proper bedsteads. I have called the attention of the Leicester County Council and the Leicester and Rutland Joint Vagrancy Committee to the requirements of the new Public Assistance (Casual Poor) Order, 1931, in this matter and I am glad to say that the appropriate sub-committee have now recommended the supply of bedsteads throughout the wards.