HC Deb 19 November 1925 vol 188 c564
36. Colonel DAY

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the advisability of discontinuing the task of stone-pounding at Poor Law institutions?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have given this matter consideration but I do not propose to limit the discretion of boards of guardians in regard to the use of this task as an alternative.

Mr. LANSBURY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether one of these stone-pounding machines might be put on the Terrace in order that hon. Members might test it and see the kind of task that is given to these half-starved men?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think any hon. Member who wishes to test it can do so, without having it placed on the Terrace.

Mr. LANSBURY

No, you cannot do that because you would have to get locked up.