§ 38. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health whether any communication has been sent to boards of guardians, apart from Circular 703, advising what physical test to apply before granting relief to married or single mine workers?
§ Sir K. WOODNo further general communication has been issued on this subject, but in certain cases, where the advice of the Ministry has been sought, it has been recommended that before relieving such applicants a medical certificate should be obtained that their physical condition is such that relief may lawfully be given.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that it is the policy of the Department to insist that men are so physically deteriorated that they can secure a medical certificate before they can receive any sort of relief at all?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is not a question of policy. My right hon. Friend has to obey the law, which is set out in the Merthyr Tydvil judgment.