§ 53. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is 1326 aware that able-bodied unemployed who are given work in Barnhill Poorhouse and grounds receive no wages payment, contrary to the provision of the Anti-Truck Act, 1831; and will he take steps to have this matter put right?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)Under rules framed in terms of Section 64 of the Poor Law Act, 1845, and approved by the Scottish Board of Health, inmates of Barnhill Poorhouse who are physically fit are required to perform work within the institution to the extent of their ability. The provisions of the Truck Act, 1831, do not appear to be applicable in such circumstances.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Act he has quoted referred to the criminal type, but that to-day we are having men unemployed who are anxious to work but who are compelled to go to these casual wards? They are men in a different category, and will he see that the present disability is removed in the case of these able-bodied and unemployed men. You will not? All right!