§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether he can yet make a statement as to his policy with regard to stone-breaking and stone-pounding as tasks for casuals; and whether the policy of closing casual wards will be continued?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe administration of the relief of the casual poor is receiving my consideration. I am not as yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether he will make inquiries into the accommodation for casuals under the Scarborough Guardians, where in a recent week 81 casuals had to share accommodation intended for 14.
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe figure of 81 quoted by my hon. Friend is the number of men admitted to the casual ward during the week ended the 29th June, 1929. The number of beds required on any one night of that week did not exceed 27. Thirty-two beds are available in these wards.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the dissatisfaction that has been caused in Woodly and district by his intention to sanction the erection of an institution for tramps and vagrants in that locality, he will postpone his decision till 1st April, 1930, when the matter will automatically be dealt with under the Local Government Act by those interested?
§ Mr. GREENWOODAs I informed the hon. and gallant Member in reply to an earlier question, I have already given the sanction necessary to enable this work to proceed.