§ MR. VERNEY (Buckinghamshire, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War on what basis the amount of rent charged by the Government to officers on foreign service is fixed, and whether it bears any and what relation to the original cost of the houses in which the officers are quartered; whether in fixing or in maintaining rents which have been fixed in years gone by regard is had to the depreciation in value of such houses resulting from the lowering of the cost of labour or materials, or by wear and tear, or by other causes; whether regard is also had to the fact that officers with their families have frequently no alternative when serving abroad but to accept Government houses at whatever price may be asked for them; whether the rent charged to officers is on such a scale as to involve a substantial profit on the transaction; and, if so, whether 859 the War Office will submit a statement to Parliament showing the profits made out of rents charged to officers; and whether they will affirm their approval of such a system.
§ MR. HALDANEHouses are provided to a limited extent in certain exceptional cases abroad for those officers who, not being entitled to free quarters, find a difficulty in obtaining private accommodation on reasonable terms. There is no compulsion on officers to occupy these Government lettings. The rent charged for these houses is based on the scheme being self-supporting; the South Africa rents being, for instance, arrived at on the basis of interest at 3 per cent. and the repayment of the principal within forty years (the estimated life of the bungalows) plus the cost of insurances awl maintenance. In addition, there are charges for water and sanitary services. There is no profit to public funds arising out of the transactions; the Department stands to lose if the lettings are not taken up. The total charges are, however, under revision.
§ MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)Can the tight hon. Gentleman give us any detailed information as to how much has been paid for the rent of these houses since our troops have been permanently settled in South Africa? Will he hear in mind the officers have no opportunity of getting any other houses?
§ MR. HALDANEI am afraid that would involve a long inquiry which I should be reluctant to have made in view of the labour involved.