asked the Minister of Health if he has any information as to whether the task of stone-pounding is still imposed by some boards of guardians on casual vagrants; and, if so, whether he will direct that this work shall no longer be exacted?

This task is one of those which are prescribed in the Casual Poor Relief Order, 1925, and as such its adoption does not require to be reported to me: I am aware, however, that it is in operation in some unions. With regard to the second part of the question, the hon. Member is no doubt aware that the administration of the laws regarding the relief of the casual poor is under the consideration of a committee which I appointed in September last. I propose to await the committee's report before giving further consideration to the hon. Member's suggestion.