§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the sentence of 21 days passed at Ely Police Court on the 25th October upon an inmate of the Ely casual ward on a charge of refusing to undress in a cold passage on a concrete floor; whether he is aware that the man had walked 30 miles that day and was wet through; and whether he will have a full inquiry made into the conditions obtaining at this casual ward?
§ Miss LAWRENCEMy right hon. Friend has made inquiries into this case. The Ely casual wards have recently been improved by the provision of better bathing facilities. Casuals are not required to undress in a corridor, but in a reception room which is covered with matting. The man in question was under the influence of drink when he was admitted, and became violent and abusive before he was charged. He was one of 14 casuals admitted on that date, and none of the others found cause for complaint. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the man, who pleaded guilty to the charge of refusing to comply with the regulations, had only himself to blame on this occasion.