§ Sir C. OMANasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that of late some boards of guardians of the poor 1703W outside of London have closed their wards for casuals, with the result that destitute wayfarers are forced to walk for a long distances; and will he consider the advisability of enabling the police in such districts as have now no casual wards to give an order for the workhouse to destitute wayfarers, with the provision that they shall not be subject to longer detention or subjected to more work than if a casual ward had been available in the district?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINCertain casual wards have been closed with my approval, but I am not aware of any case in which this involves a walk of an excessive distance. Arrangements are made where necessary for relief to be afforded elsewhere than in casual wards, and in a number of unions police constables are appointed as assistant relieving officers for the purpose suggested in the last part of the question.