§ 39. Mr. Walkdenasked the Minster of Health if arrangements can now be made to transfer the Dutch children from miners hostels, in Doncaster district, to other vacant camps or premises; and, in view of the housing shortage and the continuing evictions in the mining villages of Bentley and Adwick-le-Street, if he will now allow the local authorities to take possession of vacant hostels which may be suitable for adaptation or conversion into family homesteads.
§ Mr. BevanThe hostels in question were adapted to the needs of Dutch children at the expense of the Netherlands Government, and it would be unreasonable and uneconomic now to move the children to other accommodation, which would also need adaptation. Another hostel in the neighbourhood is likely to become available shortly, and the possibility of converting this into domestic accommodation will be discussed with the local authority.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 6th March the Minister of Education sent out a circular to education authorities telling them that quite a number of camps and hostels, used similarly to these particular hostels, are now becoming available and that these children should be transferred to such hostels being advertised by the Ministry of Education?
§ Mr. BevanIt seems unreasonable to transfer at the moment when this adaptation has just taken place. If similar hostels are available for housing accommodation they will be used for housing. My hon. Friend seems to suggest an unnecessary transfer.
§ Mr. WalkdenBut housing is urgently needed in that area.