43. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he has approved of the transference of the infant welfare centre at Kinver, through the Staffordshire County Council, to be held on licensed club premises; and why the centre was removed from the premises previously occupied?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The premises were visited recently by one of my inspectors, who reported that the work of the infant welfare centre is not adversely affected by the use of these premises; that the premises are not unsuitable for the purposes of a centre; and that there are no other suitable premises available. I have been informed by the county council that they were compelled to leave the premises previously occupied as the result of a notice to quit.
Mr. ADAMSONIs the right hon. Member aware that a considerable number of residents refuse to attend a clinic upon licensed premises, and is it the policy of his Department to condone the action of the county council in subsidising a Conservative club for this purpose?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe fact that the premises are occupied by a Conservative club has prompted the question.
Mr. ADAMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why they were re- 1109 moved from religious premises? If they are not prepared to agree to the premises being assessed, can they expect to get a place away from licensed premises?
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman really think it desirable that an infant welfare centre like this should be held at a Conservative club?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs I have said, I sent an inspector to see whether there was anything unsuitable, and the inspector reported that there was not. I understand the premises are not used as a club until after the sessions of the infant welfare centre are over.