HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 c1942
13. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Labour what are his intentions concerning the future of Whoberley Hostel, Coventry.

Mr. Isaacs

As there are over 1,000 vacancies in the seven industrial hostels maintained by my Department in the Coventry area, the Whoberley Hostel, which has a capacity of 635 places, is shortly to be closed and the residents transferred to the other hostels. The premises will be disposed of by the Ministry of Works in accordance with the usual procedure.

Mr. Edelman

Apart from the personal hardship caused by this decision, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the dispersal of large numbers of workers away from the neighbourhood in which they work will reduce their productivity? Will he give this matter further consideration?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot accept the suggestion that because the men may have to travel slightly further to work their productivity will be affected. This particular hostel has been chosen as it is the one which will cause the least inconvenience to the residents who go to work. As far as practicable the wishes of any person removed about going to any other hostel will be considered, and he will be helped wherever possible.