§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the Minister of Health what is the average number of patients in Poor Law infirmaries in this country; what is the average number of children boarded out and in children's homes; what is the actual number of Poor Law infirmaries visited by women inspectors last year as distinct from the number of visits paid; whether any Poor Law infirmaries were inspected by male inspectors; what are the qualifications required for the post of superintending woman inspector; and what is her basic salary?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI regret that I am unable to state the average numbers asked for in the first two parts of this question, but on the 1st January 1922 there were approximately 84,000 patients in infirmaries and in the sink-wards of other Poor Law institutions, there were 9,800 children boarded out and 32,000 children in Poor Law institutions provided wholly for the reception and maintenance of children. 206 infirmaries were visited by women inspectors last year, and the infirmaries are also inspected by the male general inspectors and by medical officers of my Department. The superintending woman inspector is selected from the women inspectors who are required to be fully trained nurses. Her basic salary is £400— £15—£450.