HC Deb 19 July 1949 vol 467 cc1137-9
16. Mr. Bramall

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for taking over private houses rented by officers or other ranks as military quarters; and how many officers and other ranks respectively, have taken advantage of these arrangements.

Mr. Shinwell

Arrangements have been made for the hiring of furnished houses on short lease for use as married officers' and married soldiers' quarters where the existing number of married quarters is below the scale of entitlement. These arrangements only apply to new hirings. Houses already rented by officers and soldiers privately will not be taken over, but they may be considered for hiring under this scheme when the private agreement expires. So far, 77 houses have been hired for officers and 10 for other ranks.

Mr. Bramall

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the scales of rent paid are adequate, in proportion to the present size of rents, to ensure that proper advantage can be taken of this scheme?

Mr. Shinwell

We are providing a maximum of £250 annually, and, on the whole, that is a fair figure.

Major Beamish

Would it not be far better to pay these sums of money to officers who cannot be allotted married quarters? Would it not save a great deal of work? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the owners of private houses are naturally most reluctant to rent their houses to the War Department without being able to choose their tenants? Would he look into the whole question again?

Mr. Shinwell

I have made very careful inquiry, personally and otherwise, and I understand that the officers are very satisfied with this present arrangement.

Major Beamish

Is there any possible objection to paying the sum of money which these arrangements cost the War Department, to the officers and other ranks to enable them to find their own married quarters? Would that not save work?

Mr. Shinwell

It is very much better to provide a quarter, whether an Army quarter or a private quarter, and for the War Office to pay for it, than to allow an officer cash so that he can obtain it himself. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why? "] Because the War Office can handle it much better.

Mr. Bramall

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great difficulties of this scheme in an area such as Aldershot and Camberley where many officers and other ranks are wanting houses which are not obtainable at the amount which the War Office is prepared to pay?

Mr. Shinwell

Of course, if houses are not obtainable up to a maximum rent of £250 I am afraid we must seek some alternative.