HC Deb 09 July 1914 vol 64 cc1229-30
62. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, whereas most of the soldiers stationed at Bulford Camp who are married on the strength have houses in the immediate neighbourhood at a rent of from 1s. 6d. to 2s. per week, many of those married off the strength are compelled to pay out of their Army pay as much as 6s. 6d. a week for one roughly-furnished room, and in some cases more, and that many of the wives of such men have consequently insufficient money to provide food for themselves and their children and are tempted to increase its amount by incorrect habits of life; and whether the Government will take steps to provide accommodation for their less fortunate employés in this isolated locality and so put a stop to what is a deterrent to enlistment in His Majesty's Army?

Mr. TENNANT

I was not aware that houseletters drew any distinction between soldiers married off the strength and those married on the strength. The inadequacy of the available housing accommodation is, however, recognised to be serious, and the Army Council, in addition to providing further married quarters at the cost of Army funds, are also anxious to encourage the construction of additional houses by private enterprise.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular district the housing of Government employés is nothing short of a national scandal, and do the Government propose to take any definite and early steps to remedy the unfortunate state of affairs which exist there?

Mr. TENNANT

I have already acknowledged that the Army Council admit that this is a serious matter, and are taking the most active steps they possibly can.

Mr. C. BATHURST

What are the steps?

Mr. TENNANT

I will tell the hon. Member later.