§ 7. Mr. George Griffithsasked the Minister of Labour if he has considered the conditions prevailing at the hostel of the Salvation Army at Coventry where mining trainees are billeted; how many baths are there for the use of the men; if he is aware that the food is poor and the men often go to work without breakfast; that when the trainees go home for a week end tramps are allowed to sleep in their beds; and if he will take steps to improve conditions in this hostel.
§ Mr. BevinI have no reason to believe that the conditions are unsatisfactory at this hostel. There are 12 baths for the use of the men, and five more are being added. The food is good, and no man need go to work without breakfast. The beds of men away for the week-end are reserved for them, but I am informed that on one occasion a night watchman, who has since been dismissed, disobeyed instructions and allowed other workmen to use some of the beds. No tramps are admitted to the hostel. The Salvation Army authorities have been most ready to meet the suggestions of my Welfare Officers in regard to facilities at the hostel and further improvements will be made as required.
§ Mr. GriffithsHas the Minister seen the article in the "Daily Worker" of 17th March stating that these conditions exist? If he has not, I had better send it to him and we had better know what he intends doing with this kind of Press.
§ Mr. BevinI did see the article. It is a tissue of lies. It is the Communist method of supporting the war.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenAre not these hostels, in the main, subject to investiga- 1529 tion and regular attention by the welfare officers; and is there not adequate machinery to provide for any adjustment of any deficiencies that may be complained of?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreIs it not a fact that the Salvation Army are doing a magnificent work?
§ Mr. GriffithsWill the Minister understand that I am not attacking the Salvation Army, but that I am after those who are attacking them?