HC Deb 13 December 1938 vol 342 cc1792-3
44. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the application for financial assistance towards the erection of a recreation centre for war department employés at Bath; and what were the grounds given for the application, and the nature of his reply?

56. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the refusal of the War Office to make a grant towards providing a social centre in Bath for Government workers?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The War Department has provided a recreation centre and three welfare officers for its employés at Corsham, and some part of their daily travelling expenses in addition. These advantages have been highly appreciated by the men's representatives. The Mayor of Bath has complained that those of the Corsham employés who live in his borough are obliged to walk about the streets, and that there has been increasing drunkenness. These general charges are very much resented and, in so far as they are due to the lack of proper housing conditions and facilities for recreation in Bath, I sincerely hope that steps will be taken to improve the conditions. I have informed the Mayor that I shall be interested to hear of the outcome of his efforts.

Mr. Morgan

Does not the bulk of the War Department's employés who work at Corsham migrate to Bath for residence, and has the right hon. Gentleman made any practical suggestions to the city of Bath for dealing with the recreation problem affecting his employés in Bath?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

There has been correspondence with the Mayor of Bath and I have made certain suggestions to him.

Mr. Morgan

Did the right hon. Gentleman suggest that they should apply to the "Keep Fit" fund, knowing perfectly well that they are not in a position to make grants to temporary employés?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I should not have made a proposal if I knew that it was not practicable. The Mayor of Bath made that proposal to me.

Mr. Thorne

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that a soldier is as temperate as the Mayor of Bath?

Mr. Guinness

Will my right hon. Friend communicate with me before he goes any further in this matter?

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