1. Miss Cazaletasked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider placing the control of all hostels for war workers under one organisation?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Bevin)When the National Service Hostels Corporation, Limited, was set up by me a year ago to manage hostels provided at Government expense for transferred war workers, it was agreed that for reasons of practical convenience the Corporation should not be asked to manage hostels at Royal Ordnance Factories, which would continue to be managed under arrangements made by the Ministry of Supply, or hostels for agricultural workers and others housed in small and scattered units. No change in that policy is at present contemplated.
Miss CazaletDoes not my right hon. Friend think that it would make for greater economy if they were amalgamated?
§ Mr. BevinIt may at a later date, but when we are building up a new machine operating nearly 100,000 beds under the National Hostels Corporation I do not want to take steps that would overload it until it gets into working order.
2. Miss Cazaletasked the Minister of Labour whether he has come to any decision as to the post-war use of the Royal Ordnance factories and other hostels established in connection with the war effort?
Miss CazaletCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that these hostels will be retained for social and educational purposes by the Government after the war?
§ Mr. BevinIf I may express a personal opinion, without stating Government policy, it is that they ought to be retained, and the Government are considering the matter from that aspect.