§ 30. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the arrangements made for the accommodation of soldier's families going to Germany.
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir. If the Question refers to accommodation in Germany, no soldier's family is sent to Germany until a certificate is received from B.A.O.R. that suitable accommodation is 788 available. As regards the type of accommodation, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 9th October by my hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. W. J. Brown). I am sending him a copy of that reply.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is absolutely satisfied that this accommodation actually does exist, because there is a very widespread feeling that that is not the case, and that families going there do not know what the conditions are?
§ Mr. BellengerI have given personal consideration to these matters, and have visited B.A.O.R. to see for myself the conditions awaiting families before the scheme was put into force.
§ Mr. EdenWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the main question last week was not so much concerned with that aspect of the position as with the finding of the accommodation, and with the position of the German families who would have to be moved in order to find accommodation? I think that the feeling of the House was somewhat more concerned with alternative accommodation for them not being available. It is on that subject that we want to be assured.
§ Mr. BellengerI think that my hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave a fairly complete answer to those points last week.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I beg to give notice that I will endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment.