§ 35. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Dusseldorf leave centre has now been completed; and what were the quantity and value of timber and cement used in it for rehabilitation and the number of Germans ejected in order to provide the necessary accommodation.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe leave centre is somewhat less than half complete. Some 160 cubic metres of timber and 860 tons of cement have been used in it, at an estimated cost of approximately 30,000 Reichsmarks. Seventeen German families, who were squatters, have been moved to alternative accommodation of a higher standard.
§ Mr. StokesIs my hon. Friend aware that, with all this muddling, practically nothing has been done to repair the ravages of war in Dusseldorf, where there are still over 20,000 people living below the ground, and where there has been no change for nearly two years?
§ Mr. StewartI am aware of and appreciate the difficulties of the population of Dusseldorf, but I appreciate also the need to make proper provision and amenities for our soldiers in Germany.
§ Mr. StokesWhy does my hon. Friend want to send people on leave to a ruined city? It is a perfectly ridiculous thing to do.