HC Deb 15 July 1926 vol 198 cc606-7
23. Major GEORGE DAVIES

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that, largely as a result of closing the casual wards at Beaminster, Cerne Abbas, and Wimborne from 1st April, the number of casuals received by the Yeovil Board of Guardians has more than doubled during the quarter ended 30th June, 1926, as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1925; that, if the numbers do not decrease, the Yeovil Board of Guardians will be compelled to increase their present accommodation; that the closing of casual wards restricts the routes open to men on tramp and is a hardship to those in search of employment; and whether he will, in view of these circumstances, arrange for the reopening of the three casual wards above referred to?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My attention has not previously been called to these facts. The wards referred to were closed on the recommendation of the Dorset Vagrancy Committee for an experimental period of six months commencing from the 1st April last. The ground for closing was in each case the proximity of other casual wards and there has been no restriction of the routes open to men on tramp. I will obtain an early report upon the position.

31. Mr. THURTLE (for Mr. LANS-BURY)

asked the Minister of Health how many persons, men, women, and children, were accommodated in casual and tramp wards in England and Wales on 31st December, 1924 and 1925, and on 30th June, 1925 and 1926; and is he now able to say that adequate and proper accommodation is made for the reception of tramps and casuals by Poor Law guardians in all the appropriate districts of England and Wales?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate ill the OFFICIAL REPORT figures, in reply to the first part of the question. I cannot answer the second part with an unqualified affirmative, but eases where conditions are not altogether satisfactory are constantly under review and improve meats are being secured.

Following are the figures:

The numbers of casuals relieved in Poor Law institutions in England and Wales were:
— On the night of—
1st January,1925. 1st January,1926. 26th June,1925. 25th June,1926.
Men … … … … 7,185 7,747 Separate figures are not available.
Women … … … … 393 436 Separate figures are not available.
Children … … … … 40 52 Separate figures are not available.
7,618 8,235 *7,300 *9,500
* Approximate figures