§ 42. Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Education if he will take powers to license and control children's camps in view of the evidence supplied to him by the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth of the unsatisfactory way in which such camps are liable to be run.
§ Sir D. EcclesMost camps are well run, and the occasional instances to the contrary do not, in my opinion, justify the introduction of a system of licensing and control such as is suggested by the hon. Member. Local authorities already have power under the Public Health Act, 1936, to deal with the physical conditions in camps.
§ Mr. SnowIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that as, I believe, this case is still sub judice in the assize court, I am prohibited from reminding him about certain police evidence in this case? Does he not think that some inspection should be made of these children's camps where circumstances arise such as were said to have arisen in this particular case?
§ Sir D. EcclesAs the hon. Gentleman says, this particular case is before the courts. I have no reason to think that it is other than an exceptional case. If I had reason to believe that there were widespread abuses, I should certainly consider action.