§ 10. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the 1161 fact that in December, 1936, 196 men employed in the Royal Naval Torpedo Factory, Greenock, had to travel 10 or more miles to their work, and that many more whose homes were beyond that distance from Greenock lived in lodgings in Greenock during the week and went home for the week-ends, he will take steps to secure the erection, near the torpedo factory, of suitable dwelling houses for these men and their families or, in any event, for a substantial portion of them?
§ Sir S. HoareI regret that the Admiralty is unable to take such steps as the hon. Member suggests. The matter appears in the first instance to be one for the local authorities or for private enterprise.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable work of this sort was done by the second Labour administration and that at the present time there is an acute shortage of houses in this area?
§ Sir S. HoareI am not aware that there has been any change of policy.
§ Mr. GallacherAs this has been a longstanding problem, will the Admiralty recommend to the local authorities who are responsible the erection of suitable dwellings more conveniently situated to their work?
§ Sir S. HoareI agree with the hon. Member that the primary responsibility is that of the local authorities.
§ Sir Joseph NallDoes not this question indicate the desirability of bringing production to those areas where population and housing already exist?