HC Deb 04 May 1927 vol 205 cc1621-3
51. Mr. COUPER

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any reports as to overcrowding in boarding houses at such seaside resorts as Brighton

Following is the statement:

Statement showing, for the unions mentioned (1) the total number of persons in receipt of institutional and domiciliary relief at the end of March, 1925, 1926 and 1927, and (2) the average numbers of persons in receipt of domiciliary relief during March in those years who were ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation, together with their dependants.

Separate figures showing the number of able-bodied persons relieved as such are not available, nor is it possible to show separately the number or classification of the dependent persons relieved.

and Margate during the Easter holidays; and whether any precautions are taken to ensure that overcrowded housing conditions are prevented in the interests of public health in popular seaside resorts during the holiday season?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend cannot find that he has received any such reports. If there is overcrowding which is dangerous or injurious to health, the local councils have power to deal with it under the Public Health Act, 1875.

Sir F. MEYER

Is it not a fact that the remedy for this lies in the hands of the visitors themselves? If they find Brighton and Margate overcrowded, cannot they come to Yarmouth?

Sir COOPER RAWSON

Is the hon. Member not satisfied from his own personal knowledge that, in normal conditions, the accommodation is quite adequate, and does he support the suggestion contained in the question that he should build special houses for special week-ends?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir.