§ 56. Mr. G. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Health whether stone-breaking is applied as test work to able-bodied persons applying for public assistance; and, if so, in how many cases?
§ Mr. E. BROWNYes, Sir, at five places the breaking of stone is included in the scheme formulated by the local public assistance authority for setting to work able-bodied men receiving outdoor relief.
§ Mr. MACDONALDCan my hon. Friend say whether the approval of the Minister has been given to this kind of work?
§ Mr. BROWNThe answer is that the Minister's approval is not required. These five cases are all in quarrying districts, and in four of them this work has gone on throughout recent years, including the period of the Labour Government.