HC Deb 15 October 1946 vol 427 cc788-9
32. Colonel Gomme-Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated cost of living in Germany for soldiers' families in relation to that existing in home stations.

Mr. Bellenger

I have no information to suggest that there is any marked disparity in the cost of living for soldiers' families in Germany as compared with home stations.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Will the right hon. Gentleman go into this question very carefully, because soldiers' families are going lightheartedly to Germany as though it were a paradise, and I am afraid there may be a good deal coming to them which they do not expect?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not know what reason the hon. and gallant Gentleman has for saying that. We have set up an information bureau in London to help the families that are going overseas, and I have not had information on that score.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

What is the use of a bureau in London for families going from Scotland?

Brigadier Low

Will the right hon. Gentleman have a look at the N.A.A.F.I. prices and compare the prices existing in Austria and Germany with prices at home?

Mr. Bellenger

I have already done so.