§ Mr. BROMFIELDasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the number of vagrants using the casual wards throughout the country has increased during the last two years owing to the restriction of unemployment benefit and the housing shortage; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware that there has been an increase in the number of vagrants relieved in casual wards during the past two years, but there is no evidence to show that it is due to either of the causes referred to by the hon. Member. I would remind the hon. Member of the revision and reissue in 1925 of the Regulations dealing with the relief of the casual poor, and I would refer him as to the further action which has been taken, to the Annual Reports issued by my right hon. Friend.