HC Deb 07 April 1949 vol 463 cc2193-4

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mrs. MIDDLETON

33. To ask the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the urgent housing needs of naval men in ports like Plymouth, which were heavily damaged during the war; and what proposals he has to make to meet the special circumstances of the situation.

Mrs. Middleton

I put Question No. 33 down to the Admiralty, Mr. Speaker, not to the Minister of Health. My right hon. Friend has already given great help to civilian housing in Plymouth, but this is a question of naval housing, in which the morale of naval personnel is intimately affected.

Mr. Bevan

Account is taken of these needs in deciding from time to time the numbers of houses which can be authorised in the different areas.

Mrs. Middleton

Has any step been taken by the Admiralty to get into touch with my right hon. Friend about the allocation of houses for naval personnel in Plymouth? Houses are available for key workers in industry because special arrangements have been made by other Government Departments.

Mr. Bevan

Consultations take place between the Service Ministers and myself about the provision of married quarters. The allocation to the Services forms part of the national housing programme, and has its proper place in that programme.