HC Deb 14 June 1928 vol 218 c1154
27. Mr. CONNOLLY

asked the Minister of Health how many children were in the workhouses of England and Wales on 1st January, 1928, or any other convenient date, who were over the age of three and had been there for over six weeks?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The exact information for which the hon. Member asks is not available. The number of children in England and Wales not suffering from sickness, accident or bodily or mental infirmity, between three and 16 years of age, who, on 1st January, 1928, had been in wards other than sick wards of general Poor Law institutions administered under the Poor Law Institutions Order, 1913, for longer than six weeks, was 890.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the figures for the South-Western District of England, where the position it very bad in this respect?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Probably the explanation is that it is rather difficult to find alternative accommodation. The hon. Member can rest assured that I am always putting pressure upon those responsible to do what they can to remove it.