§ 8. Sir Ronald Rossasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that no drill halls or other Territorial Army buildings exist in Northern Ireland; and that it is impossible for the Government of Northern Ireland to allot building materials for the erection of such buildings from their share of materials for domestic use; and what steps are being taken to deal with this situation.
§ Mr. ShinwellThere are at present four drill halls, three offices and ten hutted camps for the Territorial Army in Northern Ireland, but I am aware that the accommodation is far below requirements. The difficulties regarding the supply of building materials for this purpose are being examined.
§ Sir R. RossIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great advantage which Great Britain has in already having drill halls, and the impossibility of starting a Territorial Army in Northern Ireland for the first time unless some special arrangements are made to expedite the building of drill halls and other building?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Gentleman suggested in his Question that there were none. As I have indicated in my reply, there are some, and we are doing everything we can to provide others.
§ Sir R. RossIs the Minister aware that the last thing I wished to do was to call in question what he said, but that if he saw what he calls drill halls, and such like, he would not think them very good?
§ Mr. ShinwellI quite agree. It may be that they are inadequate for the purpose. We have to make the best of the present situation, but I am fully conscious of what is required.
§ Sir Ralph GlynThe right hon. Gentleman said in his answer that he is considering the supply of materials for this 174 purpose for Northern Ireland. Is he also considering the supply of materials to this part of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. ShinwellVery much so.
§ Mr. GallacherDoes not the Minister agree that if partition were removed, there would be no need for these drill halls?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is another question.