HC Deb 28 June 1928 vol 219 cc687-8
33. Mr. SHEPHERD

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in certain districts boards of guardians compel casuals to apply to the police for tickets of admission to the local casual ward; and whether, seeing that the majority of casuals are genuine unemployed genuinely seeking employment, he will take the necessary steps to bring this practice to an end?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but it is a common practice that police officers should be appointed as assistant relieving officers and empowered to issue orders for admission to a casual ward. The practice seems to me to be in the interests of the casuals themselves, and I see no reason for suggesting its modification.

Mr. SHEPHERD

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the men resent this very much indeed, seeing that it associates unemployment with crime?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me some particulars of what it is he has in mind, because I do not personally know of any such cases.

Mr. SHEPHERD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men whose only fault is that the country will not employ them find themselves in casual wards which they resent very much indeed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Perhaps the hon. Member will send me particulars of cases.