§ 27. Mr. DREWEasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the formation of training centres or colonies as being a more humane and satisfactory method of dealing with the unemployed. throughout the country who are at 1258 present continually seeking the shelter of the casual wards of the public assistance institutions?
Sir H. YOUNGMy hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the views as to detention colonies expressed by the Departmental Committee on the Relief of the Casual Poor (Cmd. 3640). The general adoption by vagrancy authorities of such a policy as he suggests would raise some very difficult problems, and in the circumstances I have thought the best way of making progress is to support and foster the movement in this direction on the part of the voluntary associations interested in the matter. There are already 18 hostels for the reception and training of young and helpable casuals managed by such associations and assisted financially and otherwise by local vagrancy authorities.
§ Mr. WILMOTHow many persons are these 18 hostels capable of accommodating?
Sir H. YOUNGIf the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to give me notice of that question, I shall he happy to supply him with the information.