HC Deb 19 June 1893 vol 13 cc1335-6
MR. TALBOT

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether representations have reached him from various parts of the Metropolis to the effect that poor persons are now kept in their crowded homos, suffering from infectious diseases, because there is no room for them in the hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board; and whether he hopes within a few days to give such decisions as will enable that Board to provide temporary accommodation in this great emergency?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I have not received representations from different parts of the Metropolis that poor persons are now kept in their crowded homes suffering from infectious disease in consequence of there being no room in the hospitals of the Metropolitan Asylums Board. But I am well aware that the managers are in great difficulty in consequence of the large number of cases of fever in the Metropolis at the present time. The only question as regards additional accommodation which is now undecided by the Local Government Board relates to the purchase of land at Lewisham for an asylum, and the Board are in communication with the Managers on the subject. I will give prompt attention to any proposals which I may receive from the Managers with regard to the provision of temporary accommodation.

MR. TALBOT

Has the right hon. Gentleman no information of a case at Westminster, which it has been found impossible to remove, although there are children living in the same building?

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I have no information of that, but I must say that it is a lamentable state of things if that be so. I will cause inquiry to be made.