HC Deb 05 November 1947 vol 443 cc1831-2
51. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent the capital expenditure reductions announced by the Government will affect the building of married quarters for each of the three Services.

Mr. Alexander

Service married quarters form part of the national housing programme: the precise extent to which they will be affected by the recently announced reductions in the capital investment programme is at present under discussion.

Major Legge-Bourke

Could the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that those married families who are having to live in accommodation for which they have to pay very high prices, will have the costs of such accommodation paid in future by the Forces who take over the accommodation concerned?

Mr. Alexander

That does not really arise out of the Question as it is put, but, if the hon. and gallant Member will communicate his point to me, I will have it examined.

Earl Winterton

Will the right hon. Gentleman give particular attention to this matter in view of the fact that, in the opinion of his own experts, one of the deterrents to recruiting is the state of married quarters today, which have had nothing done to them during the war and which are very inadequate; will he give an assurance that he will give his personal attention to this matter?

Mr. Alexander

The Government are very anxious to do the best they can in this matter. The priorities that will come first are in the coalmining and the agricultural areas, but the Service Ministers are keeping in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health about the next priority after those two.

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