HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 c727
22. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War the sum which it is estimated will be spent during the current financial year on accommodation, including drill halls and training camps, for the Territorial Army.

Mr. Shinwell

A little over £2 million.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the difficulties which confront Territorial units, especially heavy anti-aircraft units, owing to this lack of accommodation; and is it not a fact that, at the present rate of expenditure, it will be something like 1968 before full accommodation is provided? Will he arrange to accelerate the matter?

Mr. Shinwell

In fact, we intended to spend more than £2 million in the current year, but have been unable to do so because of the difficulty in procuring land, and because of the negotiations which arose out of the acquisition of property.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Does the Minister wish the House seriously to understand that no more than £2 million can be spent because of the difficulties in acquiring land?

Mr. Shinwell

That is precisely what I said.