§ 38. Mr. SNELL(for Mr. LANSBURY) asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to continue the Central (Unemployed) Body for London as part of the local machinery for dealing with unemployment in London; whether he is aware that this body has not put forward a single scheme of work for men and women since 1914; that the labour colony at Hollesley Bay, controlled by this body, is being used as a mixed workhouse for men, many of whom are considered unfit for ordinary employment owing to physical or mental defects; whether he has received any reports from his inspectors dealing with this colony since the report which was presented some time ago and which called for certain changes in the administration of the colony; and is he in a position to state whether any improvement in the conditions has taken place?
§ Sir K. WOODIn answer to the first two parts of the hon. Member's question, my right hon. Friend is aware of the position of the Central (Unemployed) Body for London and the absorption of this body is one of the features of the proposals for London Poor Law reform which have already been circulated. In reply to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question by him on the 15th of February last. With reference to the last part of the question, the Hollesley Bay colony was last inspected by officers of my Department in June, 1927. My right hon. Friend is informed by the body that improvements have been made to meet many of the recommendations resulting from the last inspection.