§ 31. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for a cartload of granite blocks, similar to those used in the casual wards of London, to be placed in Palace Yard, and place them in separate quantities showing the amount a man must break as a task; will he cause to be exhibited one of the screens containing the holes through which each piece of broken stone must pass; and show samples of the hammers used by those called upon to fulfil this task?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere is at present no stone breaking task in operation in the casual wards of London, though the Metropolitan Asylums Board propose to introduce such a task for a limited number of casuals, and have the necessary arrangements under their consideration. I do not, however, think that any useful purpose would be served by such an exhibition as is proposed.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIn view of the fact that these men are expected to undertake very heavy tasks, would it not only be to the advantage of hon. Members to see the job, but to let those of them who think it can be done easily undertake to do it, so that the public may be convinced that it is a proper task to set starving men to do?
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to grant my hon. Friend's request, will he invite a number of Members to go to one of these casual wards and see the men actually at work?
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIs the right hon. Gentleman's assent necessary before the Metropolitan Asylums Board introduce the task?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman can prevent it, as he prevented oakum picking?
§ 41. Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Minister of Health what steps are taken to ensure that no casuals are set tasks unsuited to their age, strength or capacity?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe primary responsibility for ensuring that a casual shall be excused from any task not suited to his age, strength or capacity is placed upon the master. That officer is also required to obtain the attendance of the medical officer where any casual appears to require medical attention, and it is always open to any casual to ask to see the medical officer. The provisions of the Casual Poor Order as to the attendance of the medical officer are posted in a conspicuous place in every casual ward.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDDoes that take into consideration the fact that very few of these men know that they have this right to ask to see a medical officer, and further does it also take into consideration the fact that most of these men are systematically underfed?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not accept the statement that most of the men are systematically underfed. I do not know what that means. We give to every casual ward full notice of the right of the casual to ask for medical attendance, and I do not see that we can do anything more.
§ Mr. SHEPHERDWhen I said that these men were systematically underfed, I meant to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not aware that these men are systematically underfed because of their ordinary life and not necessarily because of the food they are given in these institutions.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the right hon. Gentleman conversant with the dietary scale given to these men, and does he not know that it is simply starvation for them?