§ 38. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that distress is being caused to genuine itinerant seekers after work, as distinct from habitual vagrants, by the policy of his department in closing casual wards; that the resulting lack of accommodation and the overcrowding of the casual wards which remain are leading to an increase in window breaking, petty larcenies, and such minor offences; and whether it is his intention to suspend this policy?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend does not consent to the closing of casual wards unless he is satisfied that they are unnecessary and that their closing will not lead to hardship. In regard to the second part of the question my right hon. Friend is not aware that there has been any increase of minor offences or that the incidence of such offences is affected by the closing of unnecessary casual wards.