§ 50. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Winchester Board of Guardians publicly declared their refusal to comply with the requirements of his inspector to make their casual wards fit for human habitation; whether they have since satisfied the inspector; and, if not, what steps will be taken?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has made further representations to the Guardians and he understands that they have now reconsidered their position and are preparing proposals for the improvement of their wards. The matter will continue to receive his close attention.
§ 51. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Yeovil Board of Guardians attribute the overcrowded condition of the casual wards to the closing, by the order of his 399 Department, of the near-by casual wards of Calne, Beaminster, and Wimborne whether he will state the reason for closing such casual wards; and what steps it is proposed to take in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir, but after investigation my right hon. Friend is unable to accept the view of the Yeovil Guardians. The wards in question (I assume that the hon. Member intends to refer to Cerne and not Calne) were closed on the recommendation of the Dorset Vagrancy Committee on the ground that these small wards were unnecessary in view of the proximity of other casual wards.