§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of National Insurance if, in view of the numbers of vagrants who are unable to find accommodation at Halstead, Essex, and other centres in East Anglia, he is prepared to consider the provision of temporary hostels for the proper treatment of these unfortunates, many of whom are ex-Service men.
§ Mr. SteeleUnder the National Assistance Act the responsibility for providing accommodation for vagrants rests with the National Assistance Board. The Board are making use of the services and experience of the local authorities who have hitherto borne the responsibility. Vagrants in the neighbourhood of Halstead can find accommodation at Braintree, only five miles away, but the accommodation there tends to be overcrowded during the pea-picking season. It is understood that the Essex County Council have forwarded proposals to the Board for some alternative or additional provision.