§ Sir JOHN SPEARasked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware of the increasing difficulty of boards of guardians in dealing effectively with vagrants, and of the fact that the cell system has failed to deter professional tramps from following their trade; and whether he will take steps to provide a few labour colonies, by way of experiment, where bonô fide working men, who have fallen on evil days and taken to the road, may regain their position and professional vagrants be made to earn their living?
§ Mr. BURNSI have had some representations made to me recently on the subject of vagrancy. Thebonô fide working man, to whom the hon. Member refers, would not in my opinion be benefited by the establishment of labour colonies. To deal effectively with the professional vagrant in such colonies compulsory powers of detention would be required, and for this purpose legislation would be necessary.