HC Deb 06 May 1914 vol 62 c267
37. Mr. LEACH

asked how many workhouses there are in Great Britain in which no provision is made for aged couples over sixty years of age to live together as allowed by law?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The Poor Law Institutions Order provides that in every workhouse in England and Wales a separate sleeping apartment shall be appropriated to the use of each married couple above the age of sixty who wish to live together. For information in regard to Scotland I must refer my hon. Friend to the Secretary for Scotland.

Mr. LEACH

Am I to infer from that reply that in all workhouses provision is actually made for these aged couples to live together?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

There is an obligation on the guardians to do so, and I am not aware of any cases of failure to provide the accommodation.

Mr. HOGGE

How many of these aged people desire to take advantage of the privilege?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

It is beyond my power to answer that question.

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