§ Mr. REESasked whether in one union each patient costs 53s. a year for alcohol, while in others the charge has almost disappeared; and whether the Govern- 1558W ment considers the charge in the former cases or anything but a small and exceptional charge to be permissible on this account?
§ Mr. BURNSI believe that the facts are substantially as stated. It rests with the medical officer of the workhouse to give directions as to stimulants for sick inmates, and in other cases they can only be given on his recommendation; but an average cost of 53s. per patient on a series of years or on a considerable number of cases would certainly appear to be excessive. I may add that the inspectors of the Board have drawn the attention of the Guardians to the matter where there seems to be grounds for considering that alcohol is too freely supplied.