HC Deb 14 February 1929 vol 225 cc536-7
38. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the report the master of the workhouse at Honiton made to the board of guardians with reference to the conditions that exist in the casual wards at Honiton; and whether any officers of his Department have investigated these reports, and what, if any, improvements have been made?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have seen a newspaper report on the subject. I have not received any special report from my officers, but I now have before me a proposal of the guardians for the substantial improvement of the wards.

Mr. DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the fact that the statement made by the master is correct; that the conditions in Exeter prison are better than the conditions in the workhouse?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, I cannot say that. All I can say is that the conditions are not satisfactory, and I have these proposals for their improvement.

Mr. DAY

If they are as bad as that, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that they are improved?

40. Mr. BROAD

asked the Minister of Health the total number of inmates, men and women, respectively, who were in the casual wards on 1st January this year and the three preceding years?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

As the reply contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The numbers of casuals, men and women (over 16 years of age) respectively, who were in receipt of relief in Poor Law institutions in England and Wales on the night of 1st January in the years 1926 to 1929 were as follows:—

Year. Men. Women.
1929 … … … 10,400*
1928 … … … 9,961 445
1927 … … … 10,058 533
1926 … … … 7,747 436
* Approximate (The sub-division of this total is not yet available).