HC Deb 18 April 1923 vol 162 cc2048-9
66. Sir WALTER de FRECE

asked the Minister of Health whether he will con- sider the revision of workhouse Regulations affecting able-bodied men whose children are accompanying them in the institution; and is he aware that such a man as a general practice is not allowed to take his discharge and look for work unless he takes his children with him, whereas it would be more advantageous to the ratepayers only to keep the two children in question, instead of the three people?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I understand that, as a general practice, leave of absence is readily given to any inmate of a workhouse who wishes to look for work, and I am trot at present aware of any necessity for a revision of the Regulations in question.

Sir W. de FRECE

Is it not a fact that the guardians themselves are objecting to this measure as being entirely out-of-date?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not sure that I understand to what measure my hon. Friend refers.

Sir W. de FRECE

The Regulations.