59. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware of the protest made by the Breconshire Welfare Committee against the proposed closure of the reception centre at Hay-on-Wye, established by the National Assistance Board; in view of that centre's recently increased use, what arrangements are now contemplated for the accommodation of the wayfarers within this district; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe National Assistance Board informs me that after considering carefully the views of the local authority it is satisfied that owing to the very small use—averaging 1.2 persons a night—made of this centre its retention cannot be justified. The centre will not be closed until after a period of notice and it is hoped that in the unlikely event of an occasional wayfarer subsequently applying for accommodation he will be looked after by the local authority.