§ Sir C. OMANasked the Minister of Health what is the number of casual paupers in England and Wales according to the last available statistics; what were the numbers by the last Return made before the outbreak of the War; and whether the recent re-opening of the casual wards of Uxbridge, Staines, and Abingdon was due to special pressure in the districts around these places or representations from the local inspectors?
§ Sir A. MONDThe number of casual paupers in England and Wales on the night of the 24th March, 1922, was 8,305, and on the 31st July, 1914, 7,400. I am requiring the guardians of the Uxbridge Union to reopen their casual wards in view of representations made by the Middlesex County Vagrancy Committee. I am informed that the casual wards at Staines and Abingdon have not been reopened.