HC Deb 01 March 1945 vol 408 c1542
21. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Health what housing accommodation is to be provided for the civil servants coming to Newcastle, within the next month or two, to the Ministry of National Insurance; and whether, if material and labour are made available for hostel accommodation or houses, it will also be made available for houses for mothers and children ordinarily resident in the locality.

Mr. Willink

This matter is still under consideration and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Miss Ward

In view of the anxiety about the housing shortage, and what is to happen with regard to housing these civil servants, when will the right hon. and learned Gentleman be in a position to make a statement, because we in the North of England would like to know?

Mr. Willink

The date suggested in the Question is very much earlier than the actual date; the move is unlikely to take place until the end of the year.

Miss Ward

But is it not a fact that we are to have some civil servants up there, for the initial stages in March? Was not that the original date given?

Mr. Willink

It may be that a few are going, but no substantial number.

Mr. Keeling

Will my right hon. and learned Friend give an assurance that civil servants will not be moved from Middlesex to Newcastle, until accommodation of the standard to which they are accustomed in Middlesex is available for them in Newcastle?