§ 40. Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the practice of living-in on canal boats; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in connection therewith?
§ Sir A. MONDI have given most careful consideration to the recommendations of the Committee over which my hon. Friend presided. I am afraid, however, that the present time is not opportune for the introduction of legislation to give effect to their recommendations.
§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the investigation of the Committee showed that about 1,000 children were to-day living in canal boats, and that the great majority of these children were uneducated; does he not think that that calls for legislation?
§ Sir A. MONDI read the Report very carefully, and I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that the state of things is not altogether satisfactory; but this does not seem to me to be the best moment for legislation.