HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc968-9
35. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department and the local authorities concerned were Consulted about the site of Butlin's camp built on the Welsh coast; and if he has given his approval of the siting of this camp.

Mr. Willink

So far as my Department is concerned, the answer to both parts of the Question is "No, Sir." I have no information whether any of the local authorities concerned were consulted in this matter.

Mr. Griffiths

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that another Government Department made arrangements for building this camp temporarily, as a war measure, and have now agreed that the person who built it shall have it handed over to him at the end of the war? Was that done with the consent of my right hon. Friend, or of the Welsh Board of Health, or of any of the local authorities?

Mr. Willink

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put the first part of his question to the other Department concerned. I have given him all the information I can.

Mr. Griffiths

I gather, then, that this was done without any consultation with the local authorities or the Ministry of Health?

Mr. Willink

I have not said that. I said that it was done without any consultation with my Department. I have no information whether the local authorities were consulted.

Mr. D. Grenfell

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider the advisability of taking part in the organisation of recreations and the maintenance of decent holiday facilities for people who need quietude and rest?

Mr. Willink

That is a different and much wider question.

Sir H. Williams

Was not this matter dealt with at the request of the Admiralty?

Mr. Willink

I am afraid that I cannot tell my hon. Friend.

Mr. Graham White

In view of the great developments which will follow on the institution of holidays-with-pay, will my right hon. and learned Friend see that, so far as it concerns him, no isolated action is taken until public policy has been decided?

Mr. Willink

A matter of this kind does not concern me until further stages have been gone through.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In view of the importance of this matter, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise it on the Adjournment, at the earliest opportunity.