§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the evidence given before the coroner for East Sussex at the inquest on William Harvey, who was found dead in one of the casual cells of the Lewes Guardians of the Poor on 4th December, 1928; whether Harvey was placed in the cell and locked up for the night with another male person; what were the length and breadth of the cell; whether the furniture of the cell was such as he considers necessary, as prescribed by Section 69 of the Poor Law Act; and whether proper sleeping accommodation and bed clothing were provided, in accordance with Article 16 of the Casual Poor Relief Order, 1925?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe replies to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. The dimensions of the cell are 9 feet by 3 feet 4 inches, the height being 12 feet. The replies to the fourth and fifth parts of the question are in the affirmative on the basis that the cell was used for the reception of one casual. The practice of placing two casuals in one cell is in any case open to serious objection, and steps have been taken with a view to the making by the guardians of other arrangements in case of pressure in this ward.