§ 51. Mr. Yatesasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the pressure on lodging accommodation in Birmingham and overcrowded condition of the Prison Gate Shelter, he will establish a workers' hostel without further delay.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)Living accommodation for all workers introduced by my Department into the Birmingham area is, in general, secured before such transfers are made, and the local authority's billeting organisation is usually successful in finding lodgings. The free accommodation at the Prison Gate Mission has only been used in rare instances by my Department, and I appreciate the Mission's assistance. The need for proper hostel accommodation has not been overlooked, and for a considerable time my Department has been seeking premises which could be suitably adapted. I must make it clear that such accommodation, if found, would be mainly reserved for workers introduced by my Department for work of high priority.
§ Mr. YatesIs my right hon. Friend aware that I recently visited this shelter and found 90 people sleeping on the floor because there were no beds or bedding? In these circumstances cannot my right hon. Friend press on with this matter which is one of extreme urgency—I understand that a hostel is to be provided?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, we are anxious to get a hostel there, because there are many vacancies in Birmingham which workers from outside will not take because there is no accommodation for them. This Mission is doing very valuable work, but the 90 people referred to were not sent there by the Ministry. Only in the last resort is a man sent there.
§ Sir Patrick HannonWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Health with a view to seeing whether more housing facilities cannot be provided in the neighbourhood of works, because we are turning away workmen, as we have nowhere to house them?
§ Mr. IsaacsThe quickest way to provide accommodation for casual workers is by hostels.