HC Deb 06 March 1917 vol 91 c229
69. Sir W. ESSEX

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he has issued instructions to rural unions to close a number of casual wards and to allocate their vagrants to other wards or infirmaries by county arrangement?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

A number of casual wards have been closed since the beginning of the War, and inquiries are being made with a view to further action in this direction. The Local Government Board are also encouraging County schemes of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend.