§ 37. Major OWENasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the number of wards, mentioned in the Survey of Casual Wards, which took place in 1923, where either the cleanliness was not good or no night clothes provided, and consequently the clothing was not taken from the casuals according to law and dried and disinfected if necessary (Casual Poor (Relief) Order, 1925, Regulation 7); and whether he will at once call for another survey like the last, and enforce the law where it provides for cleanliness and decent accommodation for the destitute wayfarers?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The condition of the casual wards has received my right hon. Friend's constant attention, and substantial improvements have already been obtained. His inspectors continue to press upon the guardians the need of remedying such defects as those referred to in the question. He does not, however, think that there would at the present time be advantage in another such special survey of the wards, which are, of course, regularly inspected as part of the ordinary duties of the inspectors.