§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of reopening the casual ward at Richmond, in view of the daily overcrowding of the Kingston, Staines, Brentford and Uxbridge casual wards?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that there is overcrowding in some of the wards referred to by the hon. Member. The position has received and will continue to receive my serious consideration, but I am satisfied that it would not be advantageous to adopt the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's question. The multiplication of casual wards in close proximity to one another, especially in the neighbourhood of London, is not conducive to good administration and would not relieve congestion in the wards already open.