§ 40. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health the number of casual wards the 31 closing of which he has sanctioned during the past six months; and whether, in view of the increase of casual vagrants and the overcrowding of casual wards, he will see that no further closing of such wards will be sanctioned?
§ Sir K. WOODSanction to the closing of two casual wards has been given during the last six months. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to give the general undertaking asked by the hon. Member, but sanction to the closing of wards will not be given without full consideration of the circumstances of the particular case, including the possible effect of such closing on all neighbouring wards.