HC Deb 26 November 1946 vol 430 cc1386-7
5. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Labour if he has considered the statement sent to him describing the unsatisfactory conditions, due to bad management, at the Brockworth Hostel, near Cheltenham, where, approximately, 1,000 workers from South Wales are housed; and, as these are affecting the supply of labour for the factory of Messrs. A. W. Hawksley, Limited, engaged in producing aluminium houses, if he will hold an inquiry into the complaints of the men, which are supported by the management of Messrs. A. W. Hawksley, Limited, with a view to remedying the grievances of residents in the hostel.

Mr. Isaacs

I have considered the statement sent to me by the hon. Member. I have made inquiries and am satisfied that there are no grounds for the complaint about feeding conditions although there is pressure at meal times owing to the large number of residents at the hostel; this would be substantially eased if the hours of work of the residents were staggered. As regards the need for redecoration, it is not possible without detriment to other more urgent work to do more than is absolutely essential. I have had no specific complaints from the firm mentioned, and I can assure the hon. Member that the conditions at this hostel have been under constant review.

Mr. Lipson

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman who conducted this inquiry? Will he have an impartial inquiry by Members of the House or by somebody else, because the conditions are serious, and they are affecting the supply of houses by this firm, whose management and men will receive the Minister's reply with disappointment?

Mr. Isaacs

I wish it were possible at Question time to go more fully into this matter, but this hostel has been under very constant attention and review over many weeks—

Sir Waldron Smithers

By whom?

Mr. Isaacs

Not by you, at any rate. [Interruption.]I will correct myself by saying Not by the hon. Gentleman on the Back Bench. "There has been a considerable amount of worry about this place, as another Question on the Order Paper shows. It is not so much a question of the residents being dissatisfied. The mischief is really caused by one individual.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

10. Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Labour what complaints have been made by the residents committee of Brockworth Hostel, near Gloucester; and what action has been taken.

Mr. Isaacs

Complaints by such committees would normally be addressed to the National Service Hostels Corporation and dealt with through a recognised procedure for consultation between such committees and the management. I understand that there is at present no elected residents committee at the hostel concerned owing to the unwillingness of residents to serve. In the circumstances the manager has nominated a committee with whom he is working.