HC Deb 15 July 1914 vol 64 cc1909-12
59. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the water supply in the villages in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp is inadequate to the needs of the soldiers and other Government employés, and at times subject to fouling from sewage and other impurities; and what steps, if any, do the Government propose to take to improve it?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

My attention has not been called to the matter otherwise than by the hon. Member's question, and I should therefore be glad if he would furnish me with specific information.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to make some inquiry into the unfortunate domestic conditions of Government employés in this district?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, I will make inquiry.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Has the right hon. Gentleman received from the Shipton Rural District Council a communication where attention was called at the last meeting to the disgraceful condition of affairs there?

Mr. TENNANT

A communication of the kind the hon. Member refers to was received at the War Office. I do not think there was any mention of a defective water supply.

60 and 61. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked whether the Government intend to build cottages this year for the accommodation of their employés in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp; and (2) whether, in view of the shortage of accommodation for Government employés in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp, the overcrowding of most of the local cottages occupied by married soldiers and their families, and the insanitary condition of some of these cottages, the Government will apply part of the £2,000,000 available for such purpose under the Government Housing Bill towards the provision of new cottages in this district?

Mr. TENNANT

Accommodation already exists at Bulford suitable for 246 married soldiers and subordinates. The Army Council propose building, in addition, eighty-six married quarters, of which the first twenty are already practically complete under the programme of last year. The second twenty are to be erected during this financial year, and the remainder as funds become available. If these measures do not prove sufficient, it would be a matter for consideration whether any further houses should be built, and, according to the particular circumstances of the demand, whether they should be built by the War Department or under the provisions of the Housing Bill.

Mr. C. BATHURST

When this accommodation is provided, will the right hon. Gentleman see that no more than two families live in one house, and not six or even eight as at present?

Mr. TENNANT

Of course, I think it would be very advisable that not more than two families should live in one house.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

In estimating the requirements, has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the married soldiers married off the strength?

Mr. TENNANT

That is a part of the same inquiry. The whole condition of things is receiving constant attention.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say he had made an estimate of the amount of accommodation required, and does his estimate include accommodation for soldiers married off the strength?

Mr. TENNANT

What I said was that Accommodation already exists at Bulford suitable for 246 married soldiers and subordinates. The Army Council propose building in addition 86 married quarters, of which the first twenty are already practically complete under the programme of last year. … The second twenty are to be erected during this financial year, and the remainder as funds become available.

Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANS

Read on.

Mr. TENNANT

My reply continued:— If those measures do not prove sufficient it would be a matter for consideration. Of course that would be a matter for consideration.

Mr. PETO

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that he can make no accurate estimate at all of what the requirements are in the matter of housing in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp; and is not the state of affairs which exists to-day a proof that what he proposes is altogether inadequate?

Mr. TENNANT

I have already stated that the Government have the matter under consideration. We realise that it is a serious matter and are inquiring into it.