HC Deb 30 November 1925 vol 188 cc1809-10
34. Mr. PILCHER

asked the Minister of Health whether, as his Department is compelling boards of guardians in rural areas to provide improved accommodation for casuals, he can say whether, and to what extent, the cost of the structural improvements so necessitated and provided falls on the ratepayers; and whether he will consider, in view of the heavy rates now prevailing and their effect on industry, either relaxing the requirements of his Department or make provision for the defraying of the additional cost by specific grants from the Treasury which could be debated in this House?

Sir K. WOOD

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Burton (Colonel Gretton), of which I am sending him a copy.

37 and 38. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

askod the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that the casual wards of Oxfordshire workhouses are overcrowded, unhealthy and indecent; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter;

(2) whether ho is aware that the casual ward of Headington is unfit for human habitation, that it is dirty and insanitary, and that into this casual paupers are driven when it is overcrowded without supervision or care; and what steps he proposes to take?

Sir K. WOOD

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question put on this point by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson), of which I am sending him a copy.

31. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Woodstock Guardians send casual paupers more than two miles off their route to exchange a ticket for eight ounces of bread instead of supplying the bread at the institution; and whether he will take steps to prevent the practice in future?

Sir K. WOOD

There are advantages in the supply of a vagrant's mid-day meal at a conveniently situated station rather than on their leaving the casual ward, and my right hon. Friend is not aware that the provision made by this board of guardians is one to cause serious inconvenience to the casual. If the hon. Members will give rather more precise information of the difficulty which he has in mind, my right hon. Friend will be glad to inquire into it.