§ 56. Sir Charles Edwardsasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that notice has been given at the aero-engine 577 works near Cheltenham, that hostel charges are to be raised from 25s. to 30s a week for men and 20s. to 25s. for women; that people work there from different parts of Monmouthshire; that these charges together with getting home at weekends are more than they can manage and that they would be better off at home on unemployment pay; and if he will take steps to see that the hostel charges remain as at present.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe reason for increasing the hostel charges were indicated in my reply of 2nd July to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. William Paling). I regret that I cannot see my way to varying the decision.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs my right hon. Friend aware that in Coventry also workers are being discouraged from living in National Service hostels because of the proposed increase in rates? As these hostels were never intended to be self-supporting, would he put the charges back to the original figure?
§ Mr. IsaacsIn reply to the first part of the question, I am not aware of that. I assert that the increased charges are now considerably lower than those for anything comparable with these services elsewhere.