HC Deb 06 July 1948 vol 453 cc189-90
8. Brigadier Head

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Territorial units are deficient of drill halls in the London area and in the rest of the country, respectively.

Mr. Shinwell

Assuming that the hon. and gallant Member refers to Territorial units or sub-units totally deficient of accommodation, the answer is, in the London area, two, in the remainder of the country, 106.

9. Brigadier Head

asked the Secretary of State for War how many drill halls are at present in the possession of other Ministries; and what steps are being taken to get them returned to the Territorial Army.

Mr. Shinwell

Five Territorial Army drill halls temporarily occupied by civil Departments during the war are still so occupied. My Department is taking all possible steps in conjunction with the Ministry of Works to secure their early release. Five other drill halls have been leased since before the war, some for many years, to the Ministry of Works. At least two of these are now needed for the Territorial Army, and we are trying to get them back.

10. Brigadier Head

asked the Secretary of State for War how many drill halls have been provided for Territorial Army units since 1st January, 1946, by means of new construction, purchase of suitable buildings, and erection of temporary accommodation, respectively.

Mr. Shinwell

Assuming the hon. and gallant Member refers to Territorial headquarters for units and sub-units, none have been provided by means of new construction; 27 have been provided by purchase of suitable buildings, and 95 by the erection of temporary accommodation.

Sir R. Ross

Are any of these in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Shinwell

There is some Territorial accommodation in Northern Ireland.