§ 75. Mr. Lunnasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the requisitioning officer in the West Riding of York has commandeered a new working men's club in East Ardsley as a first-aid station, and 450 members, railwaymen, miners, and kindred trades have been turned out at an hour's notice without any possibility of suitable alternative accommodation in the locality for social intercourse, and, as there are several suitable halls which might be used as a first-aid station, and in order to avoid any industrial upheaval in the district, will he see that the club is restored to its members?
§ Miss HorsbrughA proposal to establish a first-aid post in the building referred to was submitted to my right hon. Friend early in the year by the West Riding County Council. As the proposal came from the responsible local authority, and as no objection was made and the building and the situation were both suitable for a first-aid post, my right hon. Friend approved it. My right hon. Friend is, however, making further inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LunnIn view of the fact that this is a most unusual requisition and affects a large number of key men in industry and as there was no opinion from the club in favour of requisition, will the Minister reconsider the first decision and see that there is a change?
§ Miss HorsbrughThe hon. Member will realise that this proposition was put up to the Minister for approval by the West Riding County Council at the beginning of the year and no objection was taken then, but in the light of what the hon. Member has put forward, the matter is being looked into again.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIn view of the fact that there are other suitable halls in the neighbourhood and that this is the only "home from home" for a number of miners and others, will the Minister take into consideration the fact that the men affected are key men in industry?
§ Miss HorsbrughIt is because of that fact that the matter is being gone into again.