§ 97. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why he permitted heavy increases in charges to residents in the Freeman Road Hostel, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, during the last 12 months without giving time for a full examination of existing costs and possible methods of saving.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThese charges, even as recently increased, do not fully cover the cost of running this hostel. They were made after full discussion with the Staff side. Further examination is being given to points recently raised with respect to costs and methods of saving, and it is hoped that these may result in measures which will further reduce the deficit.