6. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for India what steps 895 are being taken by the Government of India to prevent houses originally built for Army officers in areas, such as cantonments, set apart for the use of troops, being occupied by persons not in Government service; what neglect of such action has cost the Government of India in building new houses and hostels since the end of the late war; and how many civil and military officers, owing to lack of houses, are obliged to live in hostels or hotels in Delhi and Simla?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am assured that the situation is being carefully watched, and that if houses now occupied by non-officials, who I may mention are usually the owners, are required by officers, they are acquired by Government under the powers provided in the House Accommodation Act of 1930. I am, however, bringing this question to the notice of the Government of India, and asking them what information can be supplied with reference to the second and third parts.