§ 42. Mr. T. COOKasked the Minister of Health whether be is aware that the existing instructions issued by his Department to the Norfolk public assistance committee prevents relief work of u productive nature; and whether he will consider the employment of such men on dredging the River Wensum, provided the cost of such work is no more expensive to the public purse?
Sir H. YOUNGI am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a letter to the Norfolk County Council, from which he will see that I have not declared myself averse from appropriate relief work of a productive nature. The work would be considered on its merits. All such work should, however, be done as ordinary work at the ordinary rate of wages. Where, after provision of this kind is made, there remain able-bodied men requiring relief by way of public assistance, such relief, on grounds of principle and in the men's own interest, should be 2027 given subject to test work under the conditions laid down in the Relief Regulation Order, 1930, and Circular 1097 of the 28th. March, 1930.