HC Deb 21 February 1929 vol 225 c1321W
Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health, in view of his statement that the practice of placing two casuals in one cell is open to serious objection, whether he is aware that at Wisbech on 2nd March, 1928, three men were bolted into one cell, which was in such a verminous state that the men would not lie clown all night; and that three men were made to sleep in the bathroom of the Aylesbury casual ward on the night of 18th February, 1928; and will he take steps to put an end to this practice?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My attention has not been called to any incidents corresponding with those described by the hon. Member as having occurred about a year ago. I may say, however, that about the date mentioned in the first part of the question I received a complaint that the Wisbech casual wards were verminous. In any case, both the Aylesbury and Wisbech wards were inadequate and unsatisfactory, and I have recently approved proposals for substantial improvements in each of them.