HC Deb 09 December 1947 vol 445 cc832-3
21. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the large unsatisfied demand for married quarters, he will investigate the possibility of using for this purpose, suitable buildings, at present unoccupied, in camps which are controlled by his Department.

Mr. Shinwell

This is already being done in the form of Regular Families Hostels, which have been established for homeless Regular families returning from overseas and for the families of soldiers who are still serving overseas. All the accommodation which is at present empty is either so badly damaged as not to be habitable without considerable repair or is definitely set aside for troops due to return from abroad. Every effort is being made to recondition all the damaged accommodation, but lack of materials and labour is holding this up.

Commander Noble

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in answering this Question, he has taken into account the large reductions in the armed Forces which he forecast last weekend?

Mr. Shinwell

s: We have forecast reductions in the size of the armed Forces for some time, but whatever the reductions may be, we still require more ample accommodation than we presently possess, and particularly for married personnel.

Major Legge-Bourke

Was the Minister's original reply made bearing in mind the cut in capital investment; and what alteration has been made in the amount of married quarters to be built?

Mr. Shinwell

This matter has nothing to do with any cut in capital investment.

For a long period of years the accommodation for the Army has been inadequate. It was inadequate when I was Financial Secretary, in 1929; it has been inadequate ever since; and as the strength of the Army has increased we find the position has become even more desperate.