HC Deb 05 February 1931 vol 247 cc2142-3W
Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the children's home at Rochford, under the Southend public assistance committee, is overcrowded; and if he will take steps to secure improvement in this respect?

Miss LAWRENCE

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend brought this matter to the notice of the council in June last, and understands that they are considering the provision of increased accommodation. My right hon. Friend is keeping in touch with the council on the matter.

Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that children over three years of age are living in the Lancaster institution and the Hornby institution, under the control of the Lancaster Public Assistance Committee, contrary to the regulations of the Ministry; and if he will take steps to have them removed?

Miss LAWRENCE

My right hon. Friend understands that there are no children over three years of age living in the ordinary wards of the institution at Lancaster. There are 54 children in the Park Side Children's Home which is adjacent to, but distinct from, the institution, with a separate entrance. The Hornby institution has, for some time, with my right hon. Friends concurrence, been mainly used to accommodate mentally defective and backward children. The use of this institution will no doubt be further considered as part of the general problem of classification in the county.

Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the children's home at Weymouth, under the Dorset Public Assistance Committee, has been condemned by the medical attendant of the home and by the inspector of the Ministry; and if he will take steps to secure proper treatment for the children?

Miss LAWRENCE

There is no children's home properly so-called at Weymouth, and it is assumed that the question refers to the institution in which the children are temporarily housed. Reports on accommodation for children in the County of Dorset have been forwarded to the county council who are understood to have the question of establishing a children's home under consideration. The general inspector is in close touch with the public assistance committee on the matter.