§ 13. Mr. Murrayasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of soldiers and their wives have no quarters at Brancepeth Camp, Co. Durham, and that this is creating discontent and hardship among the soldiers; and and if he will have some of the huts at 656 This camp converted into married quarters.
§ Mr. ShinwellTwenty-two married quarters have already been provided at this camp by the conversion of huts or other buildings. Work on the conversion of huts into six further quarters will, I hope, start shortly.
§ Mr. MurrayWhile I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that soldiers at this camp have offered their services free in order to get more accommodation, and that they have been refused? Could he not cut the red tape and get more accommodation?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt is not a matter of red tape. We have not sufficient War Department land on the site to build the married quarters.
§ Mr. MurrayIs it not a fact that the soldiers have offered in their own time to help to convert these huts and that that offer has been refused, and can my right hon. Friend do anything about a matter like that?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have no information about that. Note will be taken of what my hon. Friend says, and I will make the necessary inquiries.