HC Deb 11 May 1948 vol 450 cc1945-6
31. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of dwellings in the United Kingdom provided for married soldiers and their families; how many of these are modernised or conform to desirable standards; and what plans are to be implemented to meet this need.

Mr. Shinwell

There are approximately 1,500 quarters available for married officers and 14,150 for married soldiers in the United Kingdom. Roughly one-third of the officers' and two-thirds of the soldiers' quarters are up to 1938 standards. As I stated in my Memorandum on the Army Estimates 1948–49, the provision made for building at home is mainly directed towards the construction of permanent and temporary married quarters and the reinstatement and improvement of existing married quarters.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister satisfied that sufficient progress is being made in the direction he desires?

Mr. Shinwell

Certainly not. There is a great deal of progress yet to be made, but we are addressing ourselves very vigorously to that end.