HC Deb 03 February 1938 vol 331 c384
74. Mr. E. J. Williams

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the South Wales Vagrancy Committee propose to close the casual wards at Brilish and Neath, substituting a new ward at Pyle; and, in view of the fact that the distance from Swansea to Pyle is 21 miles and from Pyle to Cardiff is 24 miles, whereas the Phelps Committee of 1930 considered 15 miles to be a reasonable distance between casual wards, what steps he proposes to take on the matter?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir. I have informed the Glamorgan County Council that I should be prepared to give favourable consideration to the proposal to close the wards referred to and to replace them by a new ward to be erected at a point midway between Cardiff and Swansea on condition that a suitable site can be found.

Mr. Williams

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the distances referred to in the question are considerably longer than those recommended by the Phelps Committee?

Sir K. Wood

I will look at that matter. As the hon. Gentleman knows, this is the considered opinion of both the vagrancy committee and the county council, but I will look at the matter again in the light of the question of the hon. Gentleman.