HC Deb 18 February 1930 vol 235 cc1188-9W
Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health the number of boards of guardians who have requested a change in the dietary as served in the casual wards of our Poor Law institutions; and what changes, if any, he has authorised?

Miss LAWRENCE

So far as this information is recorded in the Department, requests of the nature indicated by my hon. Friend have, during the last four years, been received from seven boards" of guardians and from one joint vagrancy committee. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend is doubtless aware that the administration of the relief of the casual poor is now under consideration by a departmental committee which my right hon. Friend appointed in September last: he will await the committee's report before making any change in the provisions of the existing Order.

Mr. GOULD

asked the Minister of Health the number of casuals, according to the latest returns of England and Wales, and the corresponding figure for 1929?

Miss LAWRENCE

The number of casuals in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on the night of 24th January, 1930, was 11,284 as compared with 11,051 on the night of 25th January, 1929.

Mr. SHEPHERD

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the posting up at casual wards of notices of vacancies in employment in the locality?

Miss LAWRENCE

My right hon. Friend has forwarded a copy of the question to the Departmental Committee on the Relief of the Casual Poor for their consideration.

Major POLE

asked the Minister of Health how many persons, men, women and children, were accommodated in casual wards and other Poor Law institutions in England and Wales, excluding

Year. Men. Women. Children Total.
England and Vales (Excluding the County of London).
1927 9,149 518 71 9,738
1928 9,066 430 44 9,540
1929 10,139 473 66 10,678
1930 9,900 (approx.).
County of London.
1927 909 15 1 925
1928 895 15 0 910
1929 797 19 2 818
1930 712 19 0 731