§ Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he has considered the resolution passed by the county borough of West Ham that the 5s. per week at present granted to a householder in respect to each worker accommodated be increased to such a sum as will adequately reimburse the householder the actual expenses 1300W incurred in accommodating the worker and the provision of necessary facilities; and what action he intends to take;
(2) whether he is aware of the resolution of the county borough of West Ham, supporting the urban district of Farnborough, recording grave concern at the totally inadequate weekly payments made to householders by the Government for the accommodation of essential war workers who are billeted by the local authority; and whether he will take steps to remedy these difficulties.
§ Mr. WillinkI have received this resolution. The great majority of transferred war workers have been accommodated under voluntary arrangements, and it is only a small number which has needed to be billeted compulsorily. When compulsory billeting is undertaken it is for lodging only, the worker making his arrangements for board, and I have no reason to suppose the billeting allowance calls for revision. It is always open to the householder and the war worker to agree terms on a voluntary basis whereby the worker is provided with meals and other services in addition to the requirements set out in the billeting notice. These private arrangements are to be preferred and many compulsory billets have become voluntary lodgings where friendly relations between the parties have been established.