HC Deb 28 February 1928 vol 214 cc220-1
68. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Health the number of children boarded out or housed in small scattered homes under the control of the West Ham Poor Law Commissioners, in accordance with Article 14 of the Poor Law Institution Order, 1913, and when the children were inspected by the Commissioners' health inspectors; and if he has received any Report from the Commissioners in respect to the health and general standing of comfort of the children?

Sir K. WOOD

Ninety children are boarded-out by this board of guardians and 282 are maintained in scattered homes belonging to the guardians. The boarded-out children are inspected by the guardians' women officers at least once every three months, and by the members of the boarding-out committees under whose charge they are. The children in scattered homes are regularly visited by the superintendent and matron of the children's homes, by persons nominated by the board of guardians, and by members of the board itself. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. THORNE

Do I understand from that reply that the present Commissioners appoint visiting committees; if so, how are they appointed or selected?

Sir K. WOOD

I think the hon. Member had better put down a question on that point.

Mr. SHEPHERD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied that the children placed in scattered homes are being satisfactorily looked after?

Sir K. WOOD

So far as this answer goes, I think the hon. Member will see that a great many precautions are taken to ensure the comfort and the health of the children.

Mr. SHEPHERD

And the experiment is quite successful?

Sir K. WOOD

I should hesitate to give a general answer of that kind, but I think a great deal has been done.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Is it not the general opinion that to place the children in scattered homes is better than keeping them in an institution?