§ 25. Mr. John E. Haireasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of recent increased charges for residents, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the administrative costs of National Service Corporation hostels.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. The present charges to residents are in line with those paid for comparable private lodgings and I am satisfied that they cannot be reduced by further economies in administration.
§ Mr. HaireIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is strong feeling among residents in these hostels that the increased charges are unfair, and that equivalent savings could be made in the administrative costs, especially by way of reduction of staff, and does not that constitute a need for inquiry?
§ Mr. IsaacsI am sorry to have to disagree, but there is no strong feeling about these increased charges. There is a general feeling among the occupants of the hostels that they are getting good value for money, and that for the extra 5s. it is worth their while to stay there rather than to go outside.