HC Deb 18 February 1937 vol 320 cc1349-50
36. Mr. Short

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement respecting the future of the inmates of the Metropolitan and City Police Orphanage; whether any decision has been reached respecting the amount to be allocated for maintenance of each inmate discharged; whether members of the police forces have been consulted; and whether they are willing to contribute to enable adequate maintenance to be provided?

Sir J. Simon

The Commissioner of Police informs me that these and other questions arising out of the decision to close the orphanage are still under consideration.

Mr. Short

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people have been offered £20 per annum to maintain these children in their own homes; and does he think that this is an adequate sum?

Sir J. Simon

I do know that a committee is considering the whole question, and that it has not yet made its recommendations.

Mr. Short

Have members of the respective police forces been consulted as to whether they are willing, if the necessity arises, to make these contributions?

Sir J. Simon

I could not answer that question—certainly not without notice. I repeat that there is a committee considering the matter, and that their recommendations have not yet been made.