§ 17. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that overcrowding of casual wards is taking place in many parts of the country; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt is impossible to avoid occasional and intermittent instances of overcrowding in 1359 casual wards. In any cases of constant and regular overcrowding pressure is applied to the guardians and the vagrancy committees to secure the necessary improvements.
Mr. RICHARDSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is because some guardians are enforcing the order regarding detention?
§ Mr. RADFORDDoes the Minister not think that the most useful step to take would be to educate our people on the necessity on peace in industry?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSArising out of the original reply, is it not the ease that part of the overcrowding is due to the fact that some boards of guardians are obeying the order with regard to two nights detention, while others are only enforcing one night's detention?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSI did not hear it.
§ 19. Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Health the number of casuals relieved in England and Wales on the last Friday night in each of the quarters of the current year?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe numbers of casuals relieved in England and Wales on the last Friday night in the months of March, June, and September, 1926, were 9,416, 9,569, and 10,051, respectively.