§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that certain disused huts at Acton are still in regular use by some of his women staff; that no sanitary accommodation exists in these huts; that inadequate, heating stoves are 477W in use in which the staff are compelled to reburn used coke; that the pipes have now burst, releasing the water over the huts' wooden walls; and that, in view of the fact that one girl has recently collapsed owing to cold and others are suffering from neuritis and rheumatism, he will immediately make arrangements for the removal of the workers concerned to suitable premises?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe huts at Acton have been in regular use for several years. They are heated by means of slow-combustion stoves burning coke fuel, the supply of which is adequate. The number of staff engaged in these huts is approximately 15, and the sanitary accommodation provided consists of three lavatories, but owing to the bursting of water pipes caused by the recent severe weather these lavatories have temporarily been out of use, but are now in working order. Accommodation has, however, been available in the main building which is close at hand. I am not aware that a woman clerk in the huts recently collapsed owing to cold. A complaint regarding the temperature of the huts was raised and steps were taken immediately to light additional stoves. The sick leave of the staff working in the huts is not above the normal.