HC Deb 19 June 1947 vol 438 c2210
41. Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Health if, as a means of encouraging cleanliness and improving public health, he will arrange to make a reasonable grant to local authorities that provide, as a public service, the free use of lavatory and wash basin facilities with soap and towels in public conveniences for men and women.

Mr. Bevan

I have no power to make such grants.

Mr. McEntee

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries as to the number of deaths that are caused by diarrhoea and similar complaints, and is he aware that most local authorities and medical officers of health would desire the powers sought here and that it would save a great number of lives if they were given?

Mr. Bevan

The local authorities have their powers and many of them exercise them, and it would be difficult for me to make an inquiry of the roving kind suggested. It would be very hard to prove that illness was due to a particular cause of infection received in a public convenience.

Mr. Keeling

Can the Minister say what is the difference, if any, between lavatory facilities and wash basin facilities?

Mr. Bevan

I think the distinction is fairly obvious.