Mr. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health what number of casual wards and what number of workhouses have been closed since the beginning of the War and not re opened; the names and situations of each of these wards and workhouses; which, if any, he had recommended should be re-opened; whether he had asked, or would ask, the Poor Law inspectors to see whether, as a fact, casuals who were received into workhouses in consequence of there being no casual ward, or of the casual ward being full, received the prescribed mid-day meal; and whether records as to that meal, such as are prescribed for casual wards, are kept in such workhouses?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am sending the hon. Member a statement containing the detailed information he desires. I have not recommended the re-opening of any of the workhouses referred to, and as regards the casual wards, there are only three cases in which I have suggested that they should be re-opened. In two of the unions (Maldon and Orsett) the wards will shortly be re-opened, and in the third case (that of Staines) I am at present urging the guardians to take558W action. The general inspectors have recently been giving special attention to the arrangements for the relief of casuals, and I will bring to their notice the suggestions made in the latter part of the question.