HC Deb 13 December 1938 vol 342 c1790
39. Mr. Poole

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the whole of the married quarters accommodation at Lich-field Barracks is owned by his Department; if not, who are the owners; and what charge is made for this accommodation?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The married quarters accommodation at Lichfield is owned by the War Department, with the exception of 3o married soldiers' quarters which are hired from the Commercial Union Assurance Company, Limited, at a rental of £249 a year.

Mr. Poole

Would it be correct to assume that those who occupy these quarters are called upon to pay a rental of 17s. 6d. a week, and does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this is an imposition upon the soldiers who are called upon to make this payment, and that it results in very great hardship; and will he consider getting suitable accommodation under the control of his Department and making it available for people to occupy them at a reasonable rental?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I cannot accept those figures without notice, but if the hon. Member has any matter to which he wishes to draw my attention in connection with these lodgings, I shall be very happy if he will communicate with me.

Mr. Attlee

Does not the question simply ask what is the charge for accommodation and not what charge is made for the whole of these buildings?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

If I had so understood it I should have answered that.