§ 59. Mr. Palingasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware 1104 of the overcrowded condition under which the Royal Air Force have to live at Cardington; and what steps are being taken to provide extra accommodation?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadNo, Sir, I understand that for the last five months there has been surplus accommodation for the airmen at this station.
§ Mr. PalingIs it not a fact that a number of these airmen are living in huts 40 feet by 15 feet and that 24 men live in one hut? Is that the normal accommodation, and is it good enough?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe accommodation in which the men are living at Cardington is passed for the purpose by the medical authorities.
§ Mr. PalingAm I to understand that 24 men to a hut is the normal living accommodation? Surely that is a small amount of space for such a large number of men?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI will not pin myself down to the number which the hon. Member quotes. It is true that a considerable amount of accommodation under the expansion programme might possibly be improved, but it does not follow that the accommodation is such that the medical authorities cannot approve of it.
§ Mr. PalingIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that any of these men are suffering from minor complaints because of these overcrowding conditions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadI have heard no particular complaint in that connection.