HC Deb 28 April 1932 vol 265 c556
17. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health whether stone breaking and oakum picking is entirely abolished in the casual wards of the workhouses of England and Wales?

Lieut. - Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. Oakum picking is no longer permitted as a task for casuals. Stone breaking is allowed only under the conditions suggested by the recent Departmental Committee on the Relief of the Casual Poor, and is at present practised within those limits in three casual wards.

Mr. GROVES

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me if there is any profit attaching to this work?

Sir A. LAMBERT WARD

I will convey that question to my right hon. Friend.

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