§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Labour how many standard and substandard hostels are now operated by the National Service Hostels Corporation: what is the total capacity of each type: to what extent it is being used; what is the estimated annual revenue that will be obtained from the recent increased charges; and what is the revised estimated annual loss which will be met by his Department.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe number of industrial hostels being managed at the end of June, 1949, by the National Service Hostels Corporation, Limited, for the Ministry of Labour and National Service was as follows: standard type, 65 with total capacity of 28,576; sub-standard 8, total capacity 3,371. The numbers in residence were 23,498 and 2,872 respectively. It is estimated that an additional income of approximately£300,000 will be obtained during the first year of operation of the increased charges introduced at these hostels on 11th July, 1949, and that the loss for this period to be met by my Department will be about£1,300,000.
§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Labour by what approximate amount per week the 35s. standard industrial hostel charge falls short of the cost of providing the accommodation and services and has to be met by his Department.
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§ Mr. IsaacsIt is estimated that on the revised charge of 35s. a week at standard hostels, there will be a net deficiency of about 16s. 6d. a week which will have to be met by my Department.