HC Deb 26 January 1944 vol 396 cc673-4
25. Mr. Butcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works how many hostels it is proposed to build for trainees for the coalmines; how many have been started; how many completed; and when it is expected all will be ready for occupation.

Mr. Hicks

The Ministry of Fuel and Power had notified my Ministry by the end of December of the areas in which the first 25 hostels were required; the sites have been secured, and work has started on 21 of the sites. It is hoped that these 25 will be completed by the end of April. The general programme is expected to embrace some 70 hostels in all. The balance will be progressively dealt with as they are made available by the Ministry of Fuel and Power.

Mr. Butcher

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply may I ask whether he can give an assurance that the possibilities of billeting were explored before this somewhat large building programme was embarked upon?

Mr. Hicks

I think the answer would be "Yes."

Mr. E. Walkden

Have local contractors been invited to tender in all cases for the particular jobs referred to?

Mr. Hicks

The answer to that would also be "Yes." Some local contractors have been invited, but we would have to invite 50 or 60 if we invited all of them. There have been local contractors invited.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not a fact that the hostels have had to be built because mining areas have been overcrowded for a long while?

Mr. Hicks

Yes, Sir, I think so.

Mr. Griffiths

Thank you.