§ Mr. MONTAGUE (for Mr. CLUSE)asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the increasing pressure on casual wards and the reluctance of guardians to incur expense, in view of approaching changes, and if he is prepared to promote an inquiry into the matter?
§ The MINISTER OF HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question put by the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) on the 29th April. I am aware that in certain instances there has been an unwillingness to incur expenditure in the improvement of casual wards, for which the imminence of Poor Law reform is advanced as a reason. Any such measure must make provision for adjustment of property, and I cannot agree that the apprehension of the Guar- 434 dians is well founded. At the same time, in a number of Unions, very substantial improvements have been and are being secured since the issue of the Order of 1925.