§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that the official survey of 1923–24 showed that in some unions plank beds were provided for men and women in the casual wards; whether there are still any unions which make this provision, and the names and counties of such unions; and what steps, if any, he is taking to secure better provision;
(2) whether he is aware that the official survey of 1923–24 showed that in some unions no night clothes were provided for men and in some none were provided for women in the casual wards; whether there are still any unions in which either of these deficiencies occur; will he state the names and counties of such unions and what steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that these deficiencies shall be supplied; and will he inquire what methods, if any, are adopted by the guardians of each of their unions for drying and disinfecting the men's and women's own clothing if night clothes are not provided?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am sending the hon. Member the statements of names for which he asks, basing those statements upon a return obtained last autumn. I have not complete information of improvements which have been effected since the date of that return, but constant pressure is being applied by my officers to secure necessary improvements. I will make the inquiries which the hon. Member suggests.
§ Sir C. OMANasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that at a debate of the Hinckley Board of Guardians the statement was made by the master that the rooms inhabited by the tramps were verminous, and men's shirts, after they were washed, were in the same condition, and that he could do nothing more at present; that the board discussed the purchase of a cale-factor and a disinfector, and the prospect of obtaining a loan from the Ministry for such purchase; and whether he will 1400W grant the loan and spread over the time for repayment as long as possible, so as to encourage these and other guardians to take vigorous steps to prevent the spread of vermin?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINPlans for the provision of improved casual accommodation in this union are at present under consideration, and sanction has been given to the raising of a loan for 10 years for the purpose referred to in the second part of the question.