HC Deb 23 April 1952 vol 499 cc376-7
8. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation, in view of the fact that the present management contract expires this month, what changes he proposes to make in the future administration of the London Airport workmen's camp; and what steps he has taken to inform the workers of these changes.

Mr. Maclay

Arrangements are being made for another contractor to take over the operation of the workmen's camp at London Airport. Until the new contractor has been appointed, the present management will continue. There is no present intention of making other changes in the administration of the camp.

Representatives of the Transport and General Workers' Union and residents in the camp were informed of this by officials of my Department at a meeting held at London Airport on 15th April.

Mr. Beswick

While I was very pleased that there was a meeting to explain this to the men, will the Minister bear in mind that a lot of time was wasted, that there was a lot of agitation, and that a lot of meetings were held by the men, simply because they were not informed as to what would happen? Will the hon. Gentleman see that the necessary liaison machinery is set up and used at this Airport?

Mr. Maclay

Yes, Sir. It is clear from my reply that there has now been a meeting.

10. Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if, in view of the fact that only 400 persons are accommodated at the London Airport Camp, Green Man Lane, whilst there is a maximum accommodation for 1,000 and, in view of the proposed increase in payment for a bed in a dormitory hut from 7s. to 28s. 5d. a week for many of the tenants, he will consider transferring the administration of the camp to a committee representing London Airport workers or alternatively to a joint committee of the local authorities of neighbouring boroughs where accommodation is urgently required.

Mr. Maclay

I could not agree to transfer the administration of the workmen's camp at London Airport to a committee representing London Airport workers or to the local authorities.

The camp was built to house employees of contractors engaged on the work at London Airport and it is not proposed to increase the rates at present paid by these workers. Accommodation not needed for these employees will be used for other purposes in connection with London Airport.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in neighbouring districts—for example, Slough—there is a very urgent need for accommodation for men engaged on housing and sewerage and other schemes? Could not this accommodation easily and well be provided from the space unused at this camp?

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir. It would not be practicable to make this accommodation available for the purposes which the hon. Gentleman suggests.