§ Mr. CROOKSasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will now issue the promised circular to boards of guardians relating to out-relief, and also the Order as to better food for casual paupers; and whether he will at the same time abolish the task of stone-pounding which has been sanctioned of late years in some unions?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELBoth the circular and the Order referred to were about to be issued at the beginning of last month, but their issue was postponed owing to the outbreak of war. I see no reason for further postponement, and I am therefore arranging that they shall now be issued. With regard to the latter part of the question, I could not undertake to refuse to sanction a task of stone-pounding when it has been proposed by a board of guardians.