§ Mr. HASLAMasked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he will consider the desirabilty of enabling boards of guardians to retain capable vagrants for trial periods of labour on the land; and whether he is aware that boards of guardians have frequently made requests for such powers of detention?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERResolutions have from time to time been received by the Local Government Board from certain boards of guardians in favour of the establishment of labour colonies for habitual vagrants and of increased powers of detention. At the present time the number of vagrants is comparatively small, and it will probably be better to deal with any cases who are capable of useful work under the Government scheme for national service.