HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 cc1334-5
51. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will institute an inquiry into the management and conduct of the National Service Hostels.

Mr. Isaacs

I am not aware of any grounds for a special inquiry into the subject.

Mr. Edelman

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the standard of management in these hostels has considerably declined, and that when I brought him complaints from residents there he referred them to the Hostels Corporation, making that body the judge and defendant in their own case?

Mr. Isaacs

I am not aware of the allegation in the first part of the question. I am aware, however, that the control and management of these hostels is car- ried out by devoted men and women, who give themselves wholeheartedly to the task. As to bringing complaints, I have no authority to go over the head of the Corporation, who are responsible for the day-to-day work and management, and I must refer complaints to them. However, if any dissatisfaction is felt after the complaints are made and cases are brought to me I will see what I can do about them.

Mr. Cooper

Does the Minister recall the fact that I have brought cases to his attention on several occasions during the last nine months, and if he cannot institute this inquiry will he at least consider setting up a representative advisory council so that complaints can be made through the recognised channels?

Mr. Isaacs

I will take no such steps, because I am completely satisfied with the administration. My hon. Friend said that he brought certain matters to my attention. He will recall that I drew a certain matter to his attention.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that in one of these hostels which I recently visited there were 350 residents and a staff of 50? Will he look into the matter to see if there cannot be some saving in manpower in that establishment, which seems to be over-staffed?

Mr. Isaacs

I should say it was the other way round, for if there are only 50 people to feed, to look after and to provide welfare and maintenance for these residents, it is not an unreasonable proportion.

Mr. Edelman

As my right hon. Friend has denied the facts of these complaints will he undertake to examine them impartially if I submit them as I have received them from the residents of these hostels?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir, provided those responsible for making the complaints, before they did so to my hon. Friend, used the facilities provided by making use of the Residents' Committee.