§ 21. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Health how many of his inspectors visit and inspect hop-pickers' huts and camps; what material is used for them; what kind of washing and lavatory accommodation is provided; and whether the local health authorities have any obligation to allow the huts and camps to be erected?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs the answer is necessarily long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT:
Following is the answer:
The primary responsibility for the inspection of hop-pickers' camps rests with the sanitary authorities of the districts concerned. Before the outbreak of war 2434 two medical officers of the Ministry were engaged on this work throughout the hop-picking season. Under war conditions this close supervision is not possible but in each Civil Defence region concerned, one of the Ministry's regional medical officers visits the camp areas for some days in each season and as far as practicable keeps in touch with conditions. The materials from which the camps are constructed vary; in Herefordshire and Worcestershire adapted farm buildings of brick or wood predominate; in Kent and Sussex, corrugated iron or wooden huts. The washing and sanitary arrangements also vary; in some camps special washing shelters are provided, with running water and hand-filled basins, but ordinarily the water is carried from the camp supply to the living hut. Trench or bucket latrines are ordinarily used. As the camps are permanent erections I am not sure how the last part of the Question arises. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad if he will let we know.