HC Deb 13 February 1917 vol 90 cc445-6
62. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that eighty-one tramps, most of them quite able to work, passed through the tramp wards of the Bridgnorth Workhouse during last month; and, as most of them were without registration cards, whether he can take any steps to prevent these people from living on the country whilst refusing to do anything for its benefit?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

My Noble Friend has been informed by the board of guardians that during the month of January sixty-one men between forty-two and sixty-five years of age passed through the tramp wards of the Bridgnorth Union Workhouse, and that of these fifty were probably able to work. It is possible that some of these men were, travelling in search of work. As I have previously indicated, the best means of dealing with any vagrants who are capable of useful work would probably be under the Government scheme for National Service, and my Noble Friend is in communication with the National Service Department on the subject.