HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc73-5W
71. Dr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the committee for the supervision of Nut-ford House as a Colonial Students' Hostel is composed mainly of members of the Victoria League; whether the membership of this committee has recently been revised; how often does it meet; in any dispute between a resident student and the warden or management on matters of alleged misconduct or otherwise, whether the student has a right of appeal to the committee or to the Colonial Office and the right of being represented or assisted at such hearing by any advocate; and whether he is aware of the considerable anxiety that parents resident in the West Indies have over recent administrative acts in these hostels.

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, I am aware that the Advisory Committee is mainly composed of members of the Victoria League with representatives of the students, the colonial community, and the Colonial Office. I understand that membership is revised from time to time and the Committee meets every two months. As far as I know, students can make representations to the Committee or the Colonial Office in such manner as they wish. The answer to the last part of the hon. Member's Question is in the negative.

72. Dr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any recent review has taken place in the Colonial Welfare Section of his Department with regard to replanning the welfare arrangements for colonial students in this country; if he is aware that in London and other cities the hostels are administered, on behalf of the Colonial Office, by private organisations, such as the Victoria League; and whether leases held by this League will now be taken over by the Government or the hostels requisitioned and administered by a representative committee, selected by the Colonial Secretary himself, to include especially representatives of the Co-operative movement, including the Co-operative Women's Guild.

Mr. Creech Jones

Welfare arrangements for Colonial students in the United Kingdom are under constant review. Only two students' hostels are administered by a voluntary organisation on behalf of the Colonial Office, both in London and both by the Victoria League. The lease of one of these hostels is held by the League, the other property is held by the Ministry of Works on requisition. I do not consider any change is necessary in the present arrangements for the administration of these hostels, but I will refer to the Victoria League the hon. Member's suggestion about representation of the Co-operative movement.

74. Dr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the names of the last four wardens or managers of the Nutford House Colonial Hostel, London, the periods in which they held office, and the reasons for their resignations or dismissals; and how many of these wardens had previous managerial experience of such institutions.

Mr. Creech Jones

Nutford House is managed by the Victoria League which is a voluntary organisation and I am not in a position to give information about the staff employed by that body.