42 and 43. Miss Wardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (1) how many hostels it is proposed to erect similar in design to a hostel attached to a certain Royal Ordnance factory; how many have been erected; and how many are in the course of erection;
§ (2) what action he has taken as the result of the inspection of hostels of the design erected in connection with a certain Royal Ordnance factory?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)Only three hostels of the type referred to have been built, and no more are contemplated. An improved design was developed some months ago in collaboration with the Departments concerned, and I am glad to learn that this action anticipated the results of the inspection referred to by my hon. Friend.
Miss WardWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, I would like to ask whether there is full consultation with all kinds of people who have knowledge which would assist in the designing of these hostels?
§ Mr. HicksThe Departments are consulted, including the War Office, the Admiralty and the Ministry of Health.
Miss WardBut is the Minister satisfied that those Departments have practical knowledge of the conditions under which women like to live in hostels?
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillIn view of the inferior designs of the three original hostels, is the charge to remain the same?
§ Mr. HicksThere are two types of hostels, the one a temporary hostel and the other a more permanent type, and therefore they cannot all be of one design.