§ 71. Mr. LONGDENasked the Minister of Health how many local authorities are imposing test work on applicants for relief and how many are not?
§ Mr. GREENWOOD103 local authorities have in operation arrangements for setting to work, or training and instructing, able-bodied men in receipt of outdoor relief, and some of the remaining 42 have schemes under consideration.
§ Captain AUSTIN HUDSONHas not the right hon. Gentleman himself issued an instruction as regards test work to local authorities?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have issued an order that, as and where work of that kind is available, it should be offered.
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREDoes the right hon. Gentleman receive regular reports from the local authorities as to how the conditions laid down in the recent Circular are working; and is he aware that there is general dissatisfaction in reference to that Circular?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI do not receive reports regularly from the local authorities, but I receive regular reports from the inspectors of the Department, and I should not like to agree with the hon. Member that there is general dissatisfaction.
§ 72. Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Health what are the conditions and pay for the test work imposed by the public assistance committees of the London County Council?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe question of pay for test work does not arise. The amount of relief afforded is governed by the individual needs of the applicant. Where work or means of training or instruction suitable to the age, physical capacity and intelligence of an able-bodied applicant are available, such an applicant is required to undertake them as a condition of the grant of relief under a scheme submitted to me by the county council in accordance with Article 6 of the Relief Regulation Order, 1930. Particulars of the scheme, including the conditions of work, training and instruction, are set out on pages 11–20 of a Memorandum (P.A. 3) which has been published by the county council. My hon. Friend could, no doubt, obtain a copy from them.
§ Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the London area, that scheme results in a man doing 42 hours work a week for 6s.?
§ Sir K. WOODIs it not the case that there is a London County Council election in progress and that these questions are prompted by that circumstance?