§ Mr. Dobbieasked the Minister of Works what are his intentions in reference to the hostel at Rotherham built and furnished over seven months ago by the Government for youths directed to the mines, with accommodation for 400 people, but which has not yet been used; and in view of the great need for houses in this area, whether he will meet representatives of the local governing body with a view to handing over the hostel to the local authority.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIt is the policy to use these hostels, when they are not required for the purpose for which they were built, for other Government purposes for which 633W they are better adapted than for housing, thereby making it possible to release houses or other useful buildings. In this case, however, I am arranging for the hostel referred to in the question to be offered, through the Ministry of Health, to the local authority.