§ CAPTAIN BOWLES (Middlesex, Enfield)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, considering that the inhabitants about, and the workmen employed in, the Government Small Arms Factory at Enfield have subscribed largely towards public baths and washhouses for the use of the Government hands, and that Trinity College, Cambridge, has given the site, also that when completed the Local Board have signified their willingness to take them over, the Government can see their way to give a small grant towards the cost of their erection?
§ MR. JACKSONThis question has been most carefully considered at the Treasury with a view to meet, if possible, the wishes of the inhabitants at Enfield, and the Treasury would have been glad, had the Local Board adopted the Public Baths and Washhouse Acts, to contribute the Government quota towards the rates. The Treasury, however, in view of the number of places at which the Government employs large numbers of workpeople, were compelled to the conclusion that they ought not to contribute to the capital cost of the baths. I am glad to observe that my hon. Friend states that the baths when complete will be taken over by the Local Board, and if there is power and a rate 174 is levied for the cost of maintenance the Government will gladly contribute its quota.