§ Mr. NAYLORasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Southwark Board of Guardians are sending unemployed men to the Belmont Institution; that the men are compelled to wear the uniforms worn during the War by interned enemy aliens; that they are never allowed out to look for other employment; that they are kept at work 48 hours per week without pay; and that the food supplied is poor in quality and insufficient in quantity; and whether, in the interests of these men, many of whom served in the Forces during the War, he will make representations to the guardians and have inquiries made into the conditions prevailing at Belmont?
§ Sir A. MONDI am aware that the Southwark and other boards of guardians are sending a certain number of able- 393W bodied men to Belmont, but I do not think that the hon. Member has been correctly informed as to the conditions prevailing at the institution. The clothing was originally provided for prisoners of war, in hospital in the institution, and is considered more suitable than corduroy. The inmates are given opportunities for seeking employment, and the master has a discretion to provide clothing and travelling facilities for any man who has a reasonable chance of obtaining work. I am advised that the dietary is satisfactory. As regards the question of pay, I would point out that there is no provision under which inmates of a Poor Law institution can receive payment for their work.