§ 24. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the representations made to him by the hon. Member for East Fife regarding the housing position at Freuchie, Fife; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Sir J. GriggThe possibility of finding alternative accommodation for the troops now in Freuchie is still being actively pursued, and the sites suggested by my hon. Friend are being considered. From preliminary reports it appears, however, that these alternatives are either no longer free or would require considerable structural alterations which cannot be undertaken now. The troops would, furthermore, be split up into small parties many miles from their headquarters. It, therefore, seems doubtful whether it will be possible to release any houses in Freuchie at the present time, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I receive a full report.
Mr. StewartIn view of the very great public feeling on this matter locally and the intolerable conditions under which the civilian people are obliged to live on account of this requisitioning, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the fullest and most sympathetic consideration of alternative accommodation will be made?
§ Sir J. GriggYes, I will certainly give that assurance. What I wished to avoid was giving the impression that the investigation would be successful in meeting the difficulty.