16. Mr. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the wardens' posts in Streatham and elsewhere are healthy and suitable for the long hours imposed on full-time wardens; and will he examine the possibility of adding a small room with windows where fresh air and sunshine may enter and where useful and remunerative work may be done?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)Wardens' posts were not designed to provide accommodation for productive work, and, even if enlarged, such small units could seldom be used economically for this purpose. I have no reason to think, however, that local authorities generally are not doing their best under present difficult conditions to make suitable arrangements for the wardens on duty, 1924 whether whole-time or part-time. I am informed that the need for improvements in the area mentioned by my hon. Friend is recognised by the local authority, and the proposals which they have in hand will receive favourable consideration so far as the supply of labour and materials allow.
Mr. RobertsonIs the Home Secretary aware that in the earlier stages when these cubby holes were built the local authority wanted to make them larger, but then-plans were turned down on the ground of expense; and will he take steps to ensure that that does not happen when the matter is reconsidered?
§ Mr. MorrisonI was not aware of that, but, as I informed my hon. Friend, we shall take a favourable view of the application of the local authority.