§ 75. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether the cells in the casual ward at Taunton are heated; and whether he will inquire as to the number and condition of the blankets that are issued to the occupants?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have caused inquiries to be made and learn that there is a good heating installation and an adequate supply of satisfactory blankets. I may, however, add that from a report received from my inspector, it appears that the guardians have not hitherto taken action on the representations which have been made to them by their visiting committee to the effect that in the absence of a second stoker who can undertake night duty it is impossible to maintain the hot water service in the institution and the casual wards at night, with the result in cold weather that the institution and casual wards are not adequately heated at night. I am causing representations to be made to the guardians in the matter.
§ 76. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether he will inquire into the conditions obtaining at the casual ward at Saffron Walden, from which two men absconded on 20th January in order to obtain admission to the prison to which they were sentenced for seven days?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have caused inquiries to be made, and from my Inspector's report it appears that the conditions obtaining at these casual wards were not such as to have given the two casuals any excuse for their action in absconding from the wards.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill my right hon. Friend take steps to get the authorities at Saffron Walden to raise the level of comfort in the casual ward up to the level of comfort in the prison there?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIf my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the present state of affairs, I will gladly receive them.