HC Deb 15 March 1928 vol 214 cc2097-9
56. Mr. GRUNDY

asked the Minister of Health whether medical advice will be obtained as to the, diet to be supplied to vagrants in the casual wards where stone-breaking has been introduced?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. The dietaries were reconsidered in 1925, with the knowledge that stone-breaking was a task which casuals might be called upon to perform.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table of the House a copy of the dietary that is supplied?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; it is not necessary to do that; it is contained in the Casual Relief Order, 1924.

Mr. LANSBURY

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect Members of the House to carry around with them the Orders which his Department issues? Are not we entitled to ask that they should be made available to us?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not expect hon. Members to carry this Order about with them, but, if the hon. Gentleman is not familiar with it, I shall be very happy to send him a copy of it.

Mr. LANSBURY

I am not asking the right hon. Gentleman to send it to me, but to place it at the disposal of Members of this House who do not know the nature of the task that is imposed on these men under this iniquitous system.

57. Mr. GRUNDY

asked the Minister of Health if he will order medical examination to make sure of the physical fitness of the vagrants who perform the task of stone-breaking?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. The Regulations prohibit the setting of any casual to a task not suited to his age, strength or capacity, and no task is required from a casual suffering from temporary or permanent infirmity.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is it not the fact that at the casual wards there are no medical officers, and that no casual is put under any kind of medical examination before being put to this fearful task of stone-breaking?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Under Article 14 of the Order, if any casual appears to require medical attention, the master is directed to obtain the attendance of the medical officer, and it is always open to any casual to ask to see a doctor.