§ 63. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations from boards of guardians, or other bodies, since June last desiring to generally discontinue test work for able-bodied men as a condition of outdoor relief; and what reply, if any, has been made to such representations?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)Yes Sir, I have received a few representations on this subject. I have expressed the view that it is desirable to have some form of test available in certain circumstances. While I am opposed to the wholesale application of test work to men who are unfortunately in the position of being unable to obtain work, I am of opinion that boards of guardians must have some means, other than the offer of the House, for dealing with the limited class whom they know to be undeserving of unconditional relief. In my view, test work should as far as possible he adapted to the training and educating of men so that they may be fitter to take on a new job when one offers.
§ Mr. THURTLEIn the event of test work suited for the training of the particular p0ersons involved not being avail able, will the Minister waive the question of test work?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI shall be glad to consider any case where that arises.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the right hon. Gentleman doing anything to stop boards of guardians from making men break or shift stones? May I have an answer to my question. [HON. MEMBERS; "Answer."] It is the first supplementary question which I have put. Will you kindly answer my question, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIs the hon. Member rising to a point of Order?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes. I asked the Minister of Health a perfectly courteous question which arises directly cut of his answer, namely, whether he is doing anything to stop local authorities from employing men on stone-breaking or stone-shifting, and the right hon. Gentleman has apparently some reason for not answering.
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe reason was, Sir, that you had called the next question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERAs it is my fault, I will go back to the question.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am very grateful to you, Sir. May I again ask the right hon. Gentleman the same question: Whether he is doing anything to prevent boards of guardians making men break or shift stones?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe inspectors of my Department are under definite instructions and are doing their best to see that boards of guardians fulfil the law.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThat does not answer my question.