§ 83. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to recent acts of insubordination on the part of casuals as a means of protest against the length of time during which they are locked in cells without light; and whether he is considering taking action to put an end to this practice?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative, but I am taking certain special steps to keep in touch with the position in casual wards generally and I shall certainly make representations to the responsible authorities in any case in which the conditions mentioned by my hon. Friend are found to exist.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDWhere casual wards are locked, will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that casuals have access to the day room until a reasonable hour for going to bed?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIf the hon. Member will give me actual cases I will certainly do my best to see that the point is covered.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDIn view of the fact that most casual ward cells are locked, could he not move by means of a circular to this effect?
§ Mr. GREENWOODAs I have already said, I have issued a general circular.
§ Mr. MUGGERIDGECannot we have a reply as to what particular offence against the law a casual has committed that he should be in prison?
§ Mr. GREENWOODNone.