CASUAL WARDS, OXFORDSHIRE. (Hansard, 1 December 1925)

Mr. T. THOMSON
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the workhouse casual wards of Oxfordshire, in construction, condition, accommodation and management, are inferior to any prison in England; whether this policy is sanctioned by him; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

§ Sir K. WOOD
Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on the 24th instant.

§ Mr. HORE-BELISHA
asked the Minister of Health whether he has received from Mr. Frank Gray a report upon the casual wards of certain workhouses and the conduct of these; whether he will inform the House of the nature of the Report; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

§ Sir K. WOOD
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The report contains a series of statements which are now the subject of investigation by my right hon. Friend's officials.

§ Mr. HORE-BELISHA
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that casual paupers reaching the Bicester workhouse are by the threats of the officials, and by the statement that the casual ward is closed, deterred from seeking shelter; and whether he is aware that by this course the number of casual paupers given relief at the workhouse is far below the number of cases relieved in all the workhouses in the vicinity; and what steps he proposes to take?

§ Sir K. WOOD
My right hon. Friend has received a statement to this effect and it is now under investigation.
2064W

§ Mr. HORE-BELISHA
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the building used for casual paupers at Thame is infested with body vermin, and that this information was reported to the board of guardians concerned, which took no action in the matter; and what course he proposes to take?

§ Sir K. WOOD
My right hon. Friend understands that the ward for male casuals, which is an old building, is not free from vermin and that the guardians are aware of this fact. Their officers are doing all that they can by fumigation and limewashing to remedy this condition. Further action and the reconstruction of the ward are under the consideration of the guardians, and my right hon. Friend is keeping in close touch with the Board.