HC Deb 29 April 1926 vol 194 cc2197-8
54. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of a young man, engaged on the Dalmaspidal road relief scheme, fainting as a, result of starvation and exposure at Muirton Park, Perth; whether he has had the doctor's report on this case; whether he is aware that the young man is still suffering from shell shock as a result of the War; and if he is satisfied that the wages rates and conditions on this relief scheme are satisfactory, and that the men being sent to the scheme by the Labour Exchanges are properly selected as suitable for the rigours and hardships of the work?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)

I have no information regarding the incident referred to, but I am having inquiries made and will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible. I am advised that the rate of wages paid is the current rate and the conditions of work satisfactory. No complaint has reached me that the men sent to the work are unsuitable, but I will make inquiries on that point also.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Seeing that personally I have been in communication with his Department and I had had letters from his superiors and the Department, and that this matter— [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] I will put it in the form of a question. Is it not the case that the conditions of labour of this particular road, the Dalmaspidal Road relief scheme, have been the subject matter of controversy in the Scottish Press for over a month; has not the Department had special inquiries made into it, and have not letters been written and answers given in this House.?

Mrs. BETTERTON

I am well aware of that. I do not think the hon. Gentleman could have caught my answer, which was to the effect that no complaint has reached me that the men sent to the work are unsuitable.

Mr. JOHNSTON

That is one of the points upon which questions have already been asked and answered in this House.