HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc1975-6
39. Mr. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Health what is the constitution and membership of the new Association set up to provide hostels in the London region; whether any of its officers are paid; and how many hostels so far have been assisted or established?

Miss Horsbrugh

As the reply is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Lindsay

Would a boys' club be eligible for a grant under the Association?

Miss Horsbrugh

If a boys' club is willing to run a hostel, and the hostel comes under the standard and can come within the scheme, and is situated in a district where it is wanted, there is no reason why that boys' club should not be considered for assistance by the Association. Discussions have already been held with associations running clubs and hostels so that these facilities may be given.

Following is the answer:

The Association is known as The London Hostels Association, Limited, and has been registered under this name as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital, under the Companies Act, 1929. The necessary financial backing of the Company is secured by an agreement between the Minister of Health (on whose Vote the expenditure will fall) and the Association. The Chairman of the Board is myself, and the members are—

  • Miss M. E. R. Brooke.
  • The hon. Member for Islington, East (Miss Cazalet).
    • 1976
  • Mr. Haroid Clay.
  • Mr. Guy Clutton-Brock.
  • Miss K. M. Halpin.
  • Mr. G. E. Haynes.
  • Sir Edward Howarth, K.B.E., C.B. The hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Key).
  • Mrs. E. M. Lowe, J.P.
  • Mr. C. F. Roundell, C.B.E., and
  • Mr. Rawdon Smith, O.B.E.
The Association have appointed a paid manager, and a paid assistant manager. The necessary office staff are also being appointed. The Association are now considering a number of applications for assistance from existing hostels; no new hostels have yet been established under the auspices of the Association, but a number of buildings are being surveyed at the present time with particular attention to the problem of shelter, which the Association regard as of great importance.