HC Deb 02 November 1908 vol 195 cc763-4
MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any steps are being taken to provide better accommodation in barracks or outside for the 150 married couples living in single-room married quarters in Ireland.

MR. HALDANE

Steps are being taken to improve the accommodation for married soldiers in Ireland. New quarters are being built to replace the existing single-room quarters.

MR. ASHLEY

How long is the present disgraceful condition of affairs, which involves a married man and his family living in one room, to be allowed by the State to continue?

MR. HALDANE

I am sorry to say it has continued for a very long time, but I am doing everything I can to abolish it.

MR. GUY BARING

Will the right hon. Gentleman do the same thing for Londonderry?

MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to be able to abolish the present system?

MR. HALDANE

I am doing it as quickly as I can.