HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 cc1749-50
28. Mr. Digby

asked the Secretary of State for War how many wives of soldiers are still waiting to join their husbands in East and Central Africa; and what steps he is taking to make additional suitable accommodation available there for soldiers' families.

Mr. Bellenger

There are 30 families, whose applications have been sanctioned, now awaiting passages and they are due to sail at the end of this month Suitable accommodation may be hired for married quarters but there is little available, and surplus hutting may be adapted for use as temporary quarters. We cannot, however, meet all the requirements at once but plans for new construction are being drawn up.

Mr. Digby

With regard to the difficulty of accommodation, is the Minister aware that local contractors are advertising an offer to build houses in six weeks for £600, and why cannot the Army get some of this accommodation?

Mr. Bellenger

That seems prima facie very satisfactory, and I will look into the point.