§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Agriculture why Knowl House, Mirfield, Yorks., was opened as a W.L.A. hostel; whether previous inquiries indicated that full agricultural employment would be available for 33 girls; how many of these have had full employment during each of the last eight weeks; what has been the approximate loss incurred in the hostel during this period; and how long he proposes continuing the experiment.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe hostel to which my hon. Friend refers was opened in mid-September to meet the need for labour created by the withdrawal from the area of about 50 prisoners of war for repatriation. Full employment was maintained until the end of October but since then there has been some unemployment. The amount paid out in wages and not recovered from farmers since the hostel was opened is £79 7s. 9d. As regards the last part of the Question, I am advised that, with the co-operation of farmers, work could be found for the girls throughout the winter, to enable the hostel to be kept open to meet the acute demand for labour expected next year. It is hoped in any case to engage the girls temporarily on W.A.E.C. work.