The Departmental Committee appointed in July 1904, to inquire into vagrancy in England and Wales has submitted a report in which the unanimous opinion expressed is that thorough reform is necessary. “We are convinced” the Committee say “that the present system neither deters the vagrant nor affords any means of reclaiming him”.
In view of the great increase, of late years, in the number of vagrants – an army mainly composed of those who deliberatately avoid work – the Committee recommend a scheme under which the vagrant will be placed under the control of the police, the honest wayfarer in search of work will be assisted, and the incorrigible rogue will be ”detained under reformatory influences”.
The main features of the recommendations may be summarised as follows:-
Casual wards under the control of the police: detention of vagrants to be for no less than two nights.
Bona-fide work-seekers will receive “way tickets” and information and assistance in the finding of employment.
Compulsory labour colonies for habitual vagrants – and no short sentences therein.
Finger-print identification.
Power to veto free food distribution.
Women and children to be kept out of the casual wards.
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