§ 33. Mr. Heathcoat Amoryasked the Minister of National Insurance what arrangements are being made to ensure the continuation after the approved day of the work being carried out in Devon under the auspices of the Devon Joint Vagrancy Committee for the relief of casuals in reception centres and for their rehabilitation.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance (Mr. Steele)The National Assistance Board, who are now responsible for the relief of casuals, have made arrangements with the local authorities concerned for reception centres to be maintained at Barnstaple, Exeter and Plymouth. With the help of authorities and of the Ministry of Labour and National Service, the Board intend to continue the good work which has already been done by joint vagrancy committees in placing casuals in employment and otherwise persuading them to adopt a more settled way of life, and I am able to inform the hon. Member that the new reception centre at Plymouth is already showing good results in placing men in work.
Mr. AmoryAs the local authorities concerned have done useful pioneer work, as the Minister has indicated, will he ensure that that experience is made full use of and that all possible emphasis will be put on rehabilitation rather than on mere relief?
§ Mr. SteeleThe Board are very conscious of that, and that is their desire. In fact, since the new reception centre was opened at Plymouth on 7th June, out of the 59 men admitted, 24 have already been placed in work.
§ Mr. GallacherCan the Minister tell us whether this joint vagrancy committee, when dealing with vagrants, will make certain to get rid of the vermin?