§ 4. Mr. Turner-Samuelsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the proposed increase of 7s. per week in hostel charges by the National Service Industrial Hostels will impose a hardship on lower wage groups already suffering from the rise in the cost of living; and whether he will take action to have the increase withdrawn or modified, so as to mitigate its effect.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe decision to increase hostel charges was reached only after the most careful consideration, and while I would regret causing hardship in any individual case, I cannot change it. I am satisfied that the new rates compare favourably with current charges for comparable facilities in private lodgings.
§ Mr. Turner-SamuelsDoes not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that I have submitted to him a reasoned and detailed case showing how this matter affects several hundred residents in Gloucestershire industrial hostels? Secondly, is not this the second time since April last year that an increased charge of 7s. has been imposed? Thirdly, does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that many hundreds of these men have only a very small amount left, after paying the expenses incidental to their occupation, to send to their wives and young families, and——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is much too long for a supplementary question. It is nearly a speech.
§ Mr. Turner-SamuelsIt is a matter which affects my constituents very closely, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerI am not in the slightest denying that it is important, but I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman to remember that there are other hon. Members who have Questions on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Turner-SamuelsI was about to conclude, Mr. Speaker, by asking 539 whether the Minister would reconsider the matter in the light of the fact that the increases are harsh.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThis is the first and not the second increase since April, 1953. There was an increase in April, 1953, and the next was that of October this year. I am grateful to the hon. and learned Gentleman for the trouble he has taken to give me information about his constituents who may suffer as a result of the increase. I can only say that I have taken that information into account, but I cannot alter my decision.
§ Mr. IsaacsCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the actual weekly charge is now?
§ Sir W. MoncktonIn standard hostels, from 18th October last the charge has been 54s. for a man and 49s. for a woman——
§ Mr. IsaacsIs that for board and lodging?
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, Sir, that is for board and lodging—a 15-meal week. The charge at sub-standard hostels is lower by about 5s.