HC Deb 23 February 1948 vol 447 cc1604-6
56 and 57. Mr. Solley

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he is aware that the Women's Land Army hostel at Orsett, Grays, Essex, was formerly a prisoner-of-war camp; and what alterations have been made in the sanitary, cooking, heating and sleeping arrangements of the camp since its use as a hostel;

(2) whether he is aware that last week three members of the Women's Land Army walked out of the hostel provided for them at Orsett, Grays, Essex, as a protest against the bad conditions there; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs.

Mr. T. Williams

I am aware that three new recruits to the W.L.A. recently left Orsett hostel after complaining of the conditions. This hostel is an ex-Army camp and it is in sound order structurally. It was called into use last November in an emergency to house 108 members of the Land Army from Mark Hall, Harlow, which was destroyed by fire. Alterations were necessary to bring the hostel up to proper standard, and arrangements were made for these works to be done. Additional lavatories for night use, and heating in dormitories, dining and recreation rooms and sick bays have already been provided, and I shall certainly do my best to ensure that the work of installing further baths and replacing cooking appliances is completed at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Solley

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that there are no baths for these girls, that there are eight shower baths among 120 girls and 24 sinks which have to be used not merely for cleaning hands and faces, but for clothes? Does he think that is satisfactory, in view of the circumstances? Further, may I ask whether or not it is the fact that a recreation room is completely unheated, and that this hostel has not even a radio?

Mr. Williams

I have already explained to the hon. Member that this hostel was taken over in an emergency when the Mark Hall building was razed to the ground by fire, and that as speedily as possible we are replacing the missing things referred to by the hon. Member.

Mr. Solley

While I appreciate the difficulties of my right hon. Friend, does he not agree that three or four months is an ample period in which to obtain for the girls a wireless set and other elementary amenities?

Mr. Williams

I can assure the hon. Member that I am as anxious as he is to bring this hostel up to standard at the earliest moment.

Mr. York

Is it not true that this standard is very little below the average of all hostels for the Land Army, and will the Minister make a general review of the conditions in all these camps?

Mr. Williams

I do not agree; although I am anxious that the standard of hostel accommodation shall be as good as we can possibly make it for members of the Women's Land Army.

58. Mr. Solley

asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of women now remain in the Women's Land Army after completion of a year's service.

Mr. T. Williams

Precise figures cannot be given without a special inquiry, but it is estimated that rather more than 60 per cent. of the present enrolled strength have served for more than the 12 months required by their undertaking.

Mr. Solley

Does my right hon. Friend agree that from those figures it would appear to be the case that many girls leave the service at the end of their first year because they find the conditions unsatisfactory? If that be so, could he make the conditions better so that more girls remain in the service?

Mr. Williams

No, I do not accept my hon. Friend's conclusion. Many recruits to the Women's Land Army find after some weeks, or months, either that the work is too heavy or that they cannot fit themselves into the countryside. While some leave in the first few weeks or months, nearly 400 have been in the Women's Land Army for eight years.