§ Mr. Carrasked the Minister of Labour what recent increases have been made in charges for accommodation in the Government hostels provided for industrial workers; and what is the extent to which the hostels are subsidised by the taxpayer.
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe charges for accommodation in industrial hostels run by the National Service Hostels Corporation on my behalf were increased on 18th October by 7s. per week. The new charges are 54s. per week for men and 49s. per week for women at standard hostels, and 49s. and 44s. at sub-standard hostels where amenities fall somewhat short of the general standard. These charges cover, besides sleeping accommodation, two main meals a day on week days and three on Sundays, with common room, canteen, recreation and sick bay 207W accommodation, and hot water and bathing facilities.
During the financial year 1953–54 the income from charges fell short of the cost of providing the accommodation by about £930,000. It is estimated that the increase in charges will reduce the deficit by about £250,000 in a full year, on the basis of the same number of residents and assuming that costs remain steady.