HC Deb 16 October 1912 vol 42 cc1228-9
70. Mr. LANE-FOX

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in reply to the requisition issued on 23rd April to the General Asylums Committee of the West Riding of Yorkshire, requiring them to forthwith provide suitable chapels for the celebration of divine service in their asylums at Menston, Storthes Hall, and Scalebor Park, any action has been taken; and whether he is taking any further steps to enforce his requisition either upon the present asylums committee or upon the newly-constituted asylums board?

Mr. CLOUGH

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, can he explain why written answers to a couple of questions on this subject which were on the Paper yesterday have not yet come to hand?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

I will inquire. In reply to the question, as the hon. Member is aware, a deputation from the West Riding County Council and the West Riding Asylums Committee attended at the Home Office in July last to urge reasons why the requisition should not be enforced. The representations made by this deputation have not satisfied me that there is sufficient ground for departing from my previous decision in the matter, but I am willing to allow a reasonable time for the new West Riding Asylums Board to consider the steps to be taken in this matter, and have communicated with the county council to this effect.

Mr. CLOUGH

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman heard my question, and perhaps he will explain why written answers to a couple of questions of mine on this subject have not yet come to hand?

Mr. McKENNA

I am extremely sorry, and I regret to say that the answers have not yet reached me.