HC Deb 02 June 1938 vol 336 cc2227-8
53. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give particulars of the manner in which test work is now imposed in the various Poor Law institutions?

Mr. Elliot

since 1st April, 1937, the second appointed day under the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, local authorities have been relieved of the great majority of the able-bodied unemployed and the numbers set to work by local authorities are now comparatively small. In order to give the information asked for by the hon. Member it would be necessary for me to ask for a special return, and in the changing circumstances I do not think that this would be justified.

Mr. Day

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the local authorities to follow the very good example of the London County Council in this matter?

Mr. Elliot

The London County Council still has three institutions in which people are set to work.