§ 18. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Wells House Hydro, Ilkley, is standing vacant, although it was handed over to his Department in October last for the accommodation of European volunteer workers; and will he make arrangements for the immediate use of this accommodation in order that the textile factories in the neighbourhood may be able to increase their production.
§ Mr. IsaacsIt is not possible to use Wells House Hydro for the accommodation of textile workers until some necessary adaptations have been completed. A new boiler has now been installed, and it is hoped to complete other work in time to secure partial occupation in about three months' time and completion in a further couple of months.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottIs the Minister aware that no action was taken until this Question was put on the Order Paper? Why were five months allowed to elapse without any action whatever being taken?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is misinformed. It was the question of the installation of the boiler which was holding us up, and that was in hand long before the Question was on the Order Paper. I do agree, however, that there has been delay. We badly need this place, and we shall press for it as hard as we can.