§ 42. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Asylums and Mental Deficiency Committee of the London County Council have reduced the rations of members of the asylums staffs without making any equivalent recompense in the shape of increased wages; and whether, having regard to the fact that the food supplied to these public servants forms-part of their wages, he is prepared to advise the committee as to the undesirability of reducing wages in this way, and to issue a circular on the subject to all public authorities responsible for staffs engaged under similar conditions?
§ Mr. BRACEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Home Secretary is not prepared to take the action suggested by the hon. Member. The rations of members of the asylum staffs have, in certain respects, been reduced, in order to comply with the restrictions imposed by the Food Controller in the interests of the country. This action has been taken by asylum authorities throughout the country, with the approval of the Board of Control, and has, speaking generally, been accepted loyally and without grumbling by the members of the asylums staffs, in view of the country's needs. Rations form part of the emoluments of the staffs, but, in view of the universal rise in the price of commodities and of the provision of substitutes for foods curtailed, there has not, in fact, been any reduction in the value of the rations, though the amount of certain articles has been reduced.