HC Deb 10 December 1928 vol 223 cc1708-10
64. Miss LAWRENCE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the casual ward as Isleworth on 3rd December 110 casuals were received in accommodation provided for 40, and that, in spite of the efforts of the guardians, men were obliged to sleep on a concrete floor without mattresses or bedboards; and what steps he proposes to take to avoid such hardships?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend is aware that these casual wards are at times seriously overcrowded. The extension of the accommodation, and any other means of meeting the problem, present serious difficulties, the interests of more than one union being involved. Certain suggestions for alleviating the present position have already been put to the guardians' officers, and my right hon. Friend is making every effort to ensure an early decision of the main issues involved.

Miss LAWRENCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for the past 18 months the Poor Law inspectors have been calling attention to the crowded state of the casual wards?

Sir K. WOOD

It has been the case for a long period, but undoubtedly there is considerable difficulty. We have recently made some further suggestions. The difficulty, as I daresay the hon. Member knows, is due to the fact that a number of unions are involved, but I hope that the suggestions we have made will at any rate help the matter.

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

Cannot something be done to obviate sleeping on concrete floors?

Sir K. WOOD

The case is one of considerable difficulty, but we are making certain suggestions.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Is it really very difficult for the institutions to have in stock a number of extra mattresses?

Sir K. WOOD

The difficulty is rather that of overcrowding due to a number of men coming from other parts into this particular area.

Mr. MONTAGUE

May I have an answer to my question? Is it difficult to have a few extra mattresses?

Sir K. WOOD

That does not solve the major problem.

Miss LAWRENCE

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with such authorities as the Church Army and the Salvation Army, who can teach them how to do their business?