HC Deb 27 January 1944 vol 396 c833
38. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living since the beginning of the war, he is now prepared to increase the billeting allowances for transferred industrial workers.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

It is only a small minority of transferred industrial workers which has needed to be accommodated by way of compulsory billeting, and when such billeting is necessary it is for lodging only, the worker making his own arrangements for board. I have no grounds for considering that the billeting allowance payable in these circumstances calls for revision.

Mr. Brown

Is the Minister aware that the reference to billeting allowances is to the standard of 24s. per week which is given to industrial workers, compulsorily transferred, and does he not think that that rate of 24s., fixed at the beginning of the war, ought to be substantially increased?

Mr. Willink

I do not think that the Question makes the point which the hon. Member desires to make. The billeting allowances for transferred industrial workers are, as I said, for lodging only.