HC Deb 16 July 1947 vol 440 cc374-5
3. Mr. Sidney Shephard

asked the Secretary of State for Air why none of the 60 married quarters being built at the R.A.F. station, Syerston, are to be allotted to officers.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

All the married quarters now being built at Syerston are of the type designed for airmen, and they are all required for airmen and their wives and families. Several proposals have been and are being considered for the provision of officers' married quarters, but I regret that so far the difficulties have not been overcome.

Mr. Shephard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this aerodrome is in a very sparsely populated rural area, and that married officers have the greatest difficulty in finding accommodation for their wives? Is it the policy of the Air Ministry that married quarters should be built only for other ranks?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Not at all. In many places we have managed to arrange for married quarters for officers. There are great difficulties. But I am well aware of the hardship at Syerston, and I hope that some arrangement can be made.