§ 21. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the housing conditions in the 500 town of Devonport; and whether his Department has any policy in contemplation for the proper accommodation of their own employes, particularly those who are arriving from Rosyth with furniture which, owing to the shortage of houses, they will be obliged to store?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)The Admiralty are aware of the housing situation at Devonport. The men transferred from Rosyth and Pembroke to Devonport will have to make their own arrangements regarding accommodation, and if they are unable to obtain houses will, no doubt, go into lodgings and store their furniture. The Admiralty will, however, pay allowances on account of the additional expense to which such men are put.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the hon. Gentleman aware that on a previous occasion the First Lord stated that the Admiralty would have regard to the housing accommodation before sending the men there, and he appears to be going back on that? Consequently there is a great deal of misery being caused to the population?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some of the people being transferred from Rosyth find it impossible, because of the size of their families, to get proper lodgings; and what steps are the Admiralty taking in this matter of securing housing accommodation for the sake of the children?
§ Colonel DAYWould the hon. Gentleman consider erecting some of the Weir houses down there?