HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc715-6
1. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Secretary of State for War how many married quarters for officers and other ranks, respectively, have been completed since 1st April, 1948; how many such buildings have been started; and how many it is expected will be completed before 31st March, 1949.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Shinwell)

Six permanent married quarters have been built for officers and 304 for other ranks since 1st April, 1948. Eighty-four for officers and 648 for other ranks have been let to contract or are under construction. It is expected that of these, 14 for officers and 60 for other ranks will be finished before 31st March. In addition an appreciable number of quarters, most of which may be used either by officers or by other ranks, has been and is being provided by conversion of hutting and other existing buildings; figures of these for the periods referred to in the Question are not readily available.

Mr. Low

In view of the fact that the Under-Secretary of State for War, during the Debate on the Army Estimates in March of last year, stated that 600 would be completed before the end of this year, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress; and what steps is he taking to increase building?

Mr. Shinwell

I am certainly not satisfied with the progress. We have a long way to go before we can be satisfied. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary certainly did make an observation of the kind referred to by the hon. Gentleman, but I have looked at the progress, and I find that by the end of the financial year we shall have completed 538, that is 62 less than the target which was promised. All I can say is that we shall do everything possible, subject to the provision of materials and labour—there is no difficulty about the financial provisions—to increase the accommodation.

Major Legge-Bourke

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the figures he has given include married quarters which are to be built, or have been built at Fayed in the Canal Area?

Mr. Shinwell

I could not say without notice. The problem of Fayed is a much more complicated one.