§ 19. Mr. Wilfrid Robertsasked the Minister of Health what measures he proposes to take to increase the inspectorate of children's homes described in paragraphs 170 and 171 of the Curtis Report.
§ 23. Mr. Godfrey Nicholsonasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to paragraph 144 of the Curtis Report and to the implied criticism of the system of inspection carried out by his Department; and what action he proposes to take to bring about an improvement.
§ Mr. BevanAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated in his reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. S. Marshall) on 28th November, I have already strengthened the inspectorate.
§ Mr. NicholsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the extraordinarily grave criticism of his Ministry which is implied in Paragraph 144, and other paragraphs, and what steps is he taking to see that an inquiry is made into the complete failure of his Department to pay the slightest attention to the Curtis Report?
§ Mr. BevanI really must suggest that the hon. Member's statement is a frivolous exaggeration of the facts.
§ Mr. NicholsonHas the right hon. Gentleman condescended to read Paragraph 144, and if so, how can he make such a ridiculous reply?
§ Mr. BevanThe answer is that everybody knows that there have been instances of grave neglect of children. At the same time, there is very considerable resentment among many devoted workers that they have been smeared by the general charges made.
§ Mrs. NicholIs my right hon. Friend prepared to say what steps he is taking with regard to the voluntary homes, because, as I understand it, no instructions have gone out to them as yet?