§ 56. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health if the Kingsbridge casual ward had been properly and satisfactorily conducted and maintained before it was closed; whether his Department has received an application for the reopening of the Kingsbridge casual ward; whether he will inform the House the grounds upon which such application is made; and whether he proposes to grant such application?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)These wards were not satisfactory when, with the concurrence of the Devonshire Vagrancy Committee, they were temporarily closed. My right hon. Friend has received an application for the wards to be re-opened on the ground that the number of persons making application for admission to the wards has increased, and he is in communication with the Devonshire Vagrancy Committee and the Kingsbridge Guardians on this subject.
§ 57. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the published statements of those responsible for the conduct of the Dulverton Council ward that they were accommodating twice the average number of tramps, and that it was ridiculous to suppose that their accommodation could provide for such a number; and whether he will inform the House of the date when an inspector of the Ministry last visited the Dulverton casual ward, and will cause representations to be made to the guardians concerned to provide alternative accommodation?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has seen the statements to which the hon. Member refers. The general inspector for this district visited Dulverton last month and indicated to the guardians how they could, without incurring any considerable expenditure, make further provision for dealing with the increased number of casuals who are making use of these casual wards, and my right hon. Friend understands that the guardians now have the inspector's suggestions under their consideration.