HC Deb 15 June 1948 vol 452 cc243-4
35. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking, in co-operation with the Ministry of Works and the local authorities, to implement the recent announcement by the C.I.G.S. that each Territorial drill hall is to be the best social club in its district.

Mr. Shinwell

It is the responsibility of Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations to provide furniture and amenities for the Territorial Army; they are given an annual grant for this purpose. Associations include representatives of local authorities. Commanding Officers are paying close attention to the social side of the Territorial Army. My Department keeps in constant touch with the Ministry of Works, who are giving help where they can.

Brigadier Head

Is the Secretary of State aware that furniture without accommodation is not much use, that the accommodation situation at the present time is very serious indeed, and that all that the Army has had so far from the Secretary of State for War appears to be a lot of non-military pronouncements which have proved to be political boomerangs.

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. and gallant Member is probably not aware that we are in the closest possible touch with the T.A. Associations, and that we are trying to comply with all the requests they make to us. The accommodation problem is very difficult indeed, but it is not an original problem; it has been there for many years.

Mr. Driberg

Is it, in fact, possible to fulfil these hopes at all within the next few years without a considerable diversion of labour and materials?

Mr. Shinwell

We think we are making progress, and I think we will make more progress.