HC Deb 04 July 1944 vol 401 cc994-5
39. Major York

asked the Minister of Health whether he will devise a scheme to give a high priority for houses to regular soldiers retired after the war, who, because of their terms of service, have never had a permanent home.

Captain McEwen (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. It has already been stated that considera- tion will be given to the special claims of men returning from the Forces in regard to housing accommodation after the war, but I think my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that in settling priorities among ex-Service men the urgency of the need rather than the category of the service should be the determining factor.

Major York

While agreeing with my hon. and gallant Friend in general, may I ask whether he is not aware that the regular soldier who is on long service has, in fact, no local authority, and could he not represent to the Minister of Health that this category of regular soldier will require special attention?

Captain McEwen

Yes, Sir, I will bring that point to the notice of the Minister.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are no houses for the men to get? How are you going to deal with that problem when there are no houses for them?

Mr. A. Edwards

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that one of my constituents spent the whole of his leave recently looking for a house, never having had a home since he was married? He was told he would not get one for ten years. Can the Minister say, as permanent houses can be built more cheaply than temporary tin huts, that the policy of the Minister will be to produce permanent homes?

Captain McEwen

I am sure that both these angles are in the Minister's mind.

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