§ 42. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health whether, in the 19 workhouses in Yorkshire and elsewhere where the casual wards are closed, midday meals have in fact been given to all the destitute wayfarers who, had the casual wards been open to them, would have been entitled to such meals under the Casual Paupers Order, Article 8; if he will obtain definite information from each workhouse how many casuals obtained and how many did not obtain the midday meal; and state in what book or account the gift or expense of midday meals in workhouses, when there is no casual ward, is recorded which ratepayers may inspect at the audit?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have no reason to suppose that midday meals have not been duly supplied in the cases to which the hon. Member refers, but if he has any case in mind in which there is alleged to have been a failure in this respect, I will gladly investigate the case. I cannot, however, undertake such general inquiries as are suggested. The expenditure in respect of the meals supplied to casuals is recorded in a provisions consumption account which is open to the inspection of ratepayers at the audit.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of men who are seeking employment and cannot get a meal are frequently passing these places?