§ Sir A. WILSONasked the Minister of Health, with reference to page 203 of his
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England and Wales. — Average number of canals in receipt of poor relief. Highest number relieved during year. Lowest number relieved during year. 1930–31 10,873 12,831 (18th April, 1930). 7,879 (4th July, 1930). 1931–32 12,982 15,795 (25th March, 1932). 9,731 (3rd July, 1931). 1932–33 14,815 16,911 (27th May, 1932). 12,313 (8th July, 1932). 11 months (January, 1933, to November, 1933). 14,497 16,243 (21st April, 1933). 11,889 (7th July, 1933). last Annual Report (Cmd. 4372), how many hostels for young casuals, and others in search of work, are now in existence; how many are in receipt of financial assistance from joint vagrancy committees; and whether he will represent to local authorities the need for further provision of hostels as recommended in paragraph 98 of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Housing (Cmd. 4397)?
Sir H. YOUNGThe hostels to which reference is made in that part of the Annual Report mentioned by my hon. Friend are hostels specially set up for the purpose of reclaiming young men from a life of vagrancy. They are not suitable for, or available to, other classes. They are provided by voluntary associations, and my sanction to their provision is not required. I am aware of 14 such specialised hostels, the majority of which receive some financial help from local vagrancy authorities. The recommendation in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Housing does not, I think, contemplate hostels of this kind.
§ Sir A. WILSONasked the Minister of Health the average number of casuals relieved during the years 1930–31, 1931–32, 1932–33, and January to November, 1933; the highest number on any day (with date) in each year; and the lowest number on any day (with date) in each year?
Sir H. YOUNGThe following table gives the information desired by my hon. Friend:
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§ Sir A. WILSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the work of all the joint vagrancy committees already established; and whether there still remain any areas not covered by such committees?
Sir H. YOUNGAs regards the first part of the question, I am satisfied that the establishment of joint vagrancy committees has secured improved administration. As regards the second part, nine administrative counties and three county boroughs are still not included in any combination, but except as regards three counties, in which there are special difficulties, there is every reason to hope that satisfactory combinations will shortly be effected.
§ Sir A. WILSONasked the Minister of Health whether a register is now kept of certain classes of persons frequenting casual wards, as recommended by the Departmental Committee on the Relief of the Casual Poor in 1930 [Cmd. 3640]?
Sir H. YOUNGNo. Sir. It has not been found practicable to arrange for the formation of a central record such as that recommended by the Departmental Committee.