§ Captain BOURNEasked the Minister of Health whether there are now any casual wards in England or Wales where the guardians do not supply night clothing for both men and women; if so, will he state the names and counties of such unions; will he ascertain, in the unions which do supply night clothing, whether, after being used for one inmate, such night clothing is always washed before being given to another; and whether he has, since 17th February, 1925, arranged for evening visits to casual wards by a, woman medical inspector of the Ministry of Health?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn June, 1926, there were 22 such casual wards. I have every reason to believe that this number has been substantially reduced and in these circumstances I should prefer not to publish the names of the 22 wards. With regard to the second part of the question I would 'refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. Rhys Davies) on the 7th instant, of which I am sending him a copy. The women inspectors of the Ministry (who hold a nursing but not a medical qualification) do inspect the casual wards and I will arrange for them to do so from time to time in the evening.