HC Deb 18 April 1929 vol 227 c400
31. Mr. SEXTON

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that unemployed single and married men who have either exhausted the regulation period of unemployed benefit, or have been under the existing regulations refused benefits, who apply for Poor Law relief are instead offered test work; and what conditions and what remuneration for such work he has authorised?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The effect of the regulations in force is to prohibit any general practice of granting unconditional out-door relief to able-bodied men. The test work is performed as a condition of the receipt of the amount of relief deemed necessary to meet the needs of an applicant and his dependants, and remuneration in the ordinary sense of the word is not payable.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is it the general policy of the Minister to insist on test work?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is the effect of the regulations which have been in force since the time of Mr. John Burns.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is it the Minister's policy to insist on boards of guardians carrying it out? Is that his general policy?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is the general policy of my Department to insist on regulations being carried out as long as they are in force.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is it not a fact that the provision of test work often results in a waste of public money?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is a matter of opinion.

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