§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered a communication from the South Midland Joint Vagrancy Committee advocating the use of the provisions of the Emergency Powers Act to place in employment all casuals capable of work, together with action to prevent those unfit for work from continuing a life of vagrancy; and whether, in view of the possible danger to national security from numerous vagrants of uncertain identity, he will make a statement?
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Mr. M. MacDonaldI have received the communication to which my hon. Friend refers and I had already made arrangements with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour by which particulars of vagrants in the casual wards are notified daily to the local Employment Exchanges. As regards the second part1342W of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) on 14th instant.