§ 87. Mr. LYLEasked the Minister of Health if he will state the numbers in the Poor Law institutions of England and Wales, during last week, of orphans who have lost both parents in the War, and motherless children whose fathers are serving or who have left their wives; and what action is being officially taken to stimulate the removal of these children from such surroundings?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Returns in my possession do not show this information. I have, however, consulted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions with a view to action being taken in any cases of this kind, on the lines indicated in the question, with which, I need hardly say, the Minister of Pensions and I myself entirely agree.
§ Mr. BRIANTIs it not the fact that in many cases soldiers' children are requested not to go to Poor Law schools, and is it not extremely unwise to suggest that Poor Law children which are equally, the care of the State should be treated less carefully than the children of soldiers?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have no information as to the first question and therefore the second does not arise.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any institutions in this country to which the orphan children of soldiers killed in the War can be sent?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would ask for notice of that question.
§ Lieut.-Col. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs he aware that successive Presidents of the Local Government Board have promised to remove all children from the workhouse, and for how much longer will he continue this reactionary policy?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am not continuing any reactionary policy. I believe they are nearly all gone now, and I gave an answer not very long since stating the specific numbers; I cannot carry them in my head.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs he aware that the numbers are very considerable?