HC Deb 29 February 1944 vol 397 cc1233-4
23. Major Woolley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that all reasonable hostel provision has been made in Western Command for members of His Majesty's Forces, bearing in mind the limitations of available accommodation and labour.

Sir J. Griģģ

Additional dormitory and hostel accommodation is now being provided in this Command. When this has been completed the answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's Question will be "Yes, Sir."

Major Woolley

In view of that satisfactory answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he dissociates himself from the suggestion made in the House on 18th January that the Command Welfare Officer, Western Command, should be removed, bearing in mind the fact that this officer has given three years' invaluable voluntary service?

Sir J. Griģģ

I have no complaint against this Command Welfare Officer; in fact, quite the contrary.

Mr. Goldie

Has the Minister received from Warrington Town Council a resolution protesting against the dilatoriness of the Western Command in the provision of hostel and canteen facilities for the Forces in Warrington; and is he aware that, although the matter has been in the hands of Western Command for a year, it was only last week that requisitioned premises were taken over?

Sir J. Griģģ

I do not think that Western Command can manufacture labour and facilities for hostel accommodation more than anybody else.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is largely as the result of action taken by hon. Members that improvements have been brought about for the Armed Forces in the Manchester area?

Sir J. Griģģ

I think that the Member is flattering himself and other Members a little too much. It is partly due to the fact that we were able to release some of the labour employed on more urgent work. The labour question is the cause both of the delay and of the provision of accommodation.

Major Woolley

Is it not a fact that there is an extreme shortage of suitable accommodation, materials and labour?

Sir J. Griģģ

That is certainly the case.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that I was not involved, and that is why I could give credit to those who deserve credit?

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