§ 32. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to arrange for an increased allocation of materials and labour to enable Territorial and Air Force Associations to overtake the repairs needed to put quarters, drill halls, etc., in order and to provide the facilities needed in the way of new buildings, etc., by the date when the men leaving the Regular Army will become the liability of these associations so far as accommodation is concerned.
§ Mr. ShinwellOne of the cuts imposed by the restriction of Capital Investment (Cmd. 7268) will be a reduction in the contract non-housing labour employed by the War Department from a present total of 5,000 to 3,500 by 1st June, 1948. This 209 will make it impossible to increase the allocation of labour to Territorial Army services without seriously affecting the Regular Army. While, however, it is unlikely that Territorial and Auxiliary Force Associations' demands can be met in full, their needs will be given every possible consideration. The provision of quarters forms part of the national housing programme, and is therefore governed by the priorities laid down in the White Paper.
§ Sir R. GlynMay I ask the Secretary of State whether he will ask Territorial Associations throughout the United Kingdom to render him a statement on the position regarding deficiencies in accommodation, as it will be impossible for them to take up the burdens which will be imposed upon them in a few months' time?
§ Mr. ShinwellI do not require to ask them, because they are rendering these statements almost every day, and I am fully conscious of the need for accommodation in order to house the Territorial Forces.