HC Deb 08 October 1941 vol 374 cc990-1
58. Miss Cazalet

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he will consider, where Government hostels are being erected in sufficiently safe areas in connection with Royal Ordnance factories, establishing war nurseries inside the hostels for the children of women working in the factories?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

Where the Ministry of Supply is erecting married quarters for Royal Ordnance factory workers, it is proposed to build such nurseries as may be necessary. These would be operated by the local authority. It is not proposed to have nurseries at Royal Ordnance factory hostels, as the hostel residents are, in general, unmarried. Young children of other workers at the factories will best be provided for by nurseries near their homes, and the Ministry of Health is bringing to the notice of the local authorities concerned all cases where nurseries appear to be necessary.

Miss Cazalet

Does my hon. Friend realise that some of the absenteeism among married women workers is due to the fact that proper facilities are not available for looking after those of their children who are under school age?

Mr. Macmillan

That is quite true, and that is why we are to have nurseries where there are married quarters, but we are not very anxious to encourage young children travelling backwards and forwards to hostels. It is better to secure the provision of nurseries near the homes of the workers.

Miss Cazalet

Will my hon. Friend try to accelerate the provision of those facilities?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir.

Miss Ward

In view of the fact that the nurses are not there, will my hon. Friend be kind enough really to consider this proposal from a practical point of view?

Viscountess Astor

Will my hon. Friend persuade the Government to realise that they will never get infant welfare properly organised until there is someone whose whole-time duty it is to look after the question of the welfare of children under school age?