9. Major BARINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take to increase the married quarters of the Winchester depot?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)Provision is made in Army Estimates 1914–15 for new married quarters. It is hoped to erect about 120 quarters. The item of £2,500 shown on page 81 of the Estimates is, as the hon. and gallant Member may have observed, an instalment of a total estimated expenditure of £20,000.
Major BARINGMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that during the past twelve months over one hundred families have been added to the garrison at Winchester, and, with the exception of eight houses, no accommodation has been afforded by the Government of any description, and that in consequence there is now a congestion in the working-class districts which amounts almost to a scandal, and whether he will use his best efforts to ensure that a sum of £20,000 shall be spent forthwith to relieve a state of affairs causing great discomfort to the population of Winchester?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, I am aware that those families have been added to the population of Winchester during the last few months. I view with great sympathy the position which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has adopted. I will certainly use my best endeavours to see that every possible step is taken to have additional accommodation provided for those soldiers and the civilian families which, I understand, have been displaced. I cannot say more just now.