HC Deb 22 June 1949 vol 466 cc177-8
5. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many United States Service men are being housed in private accommodation in the vicinity of Ruislip; and how many are being housed in the United States Air Force Headquarters building.

Mr. A. Henderson

I am informed that 116 members of the U.S.A.F. are living in private accommodation at Ruislip, and 280 are living in the Headquarters building.

Mr. Piratin

Can the Minister assure the House that none of these American soldiers is taking space which would otherwise be occupied by British families? Will he bear in mind what has been happening recently in the neigh- bouring vicinity of Harrow where a number of ex-Service men's families have been evicted by the War Department and no accommodation has been available for them? Surely if 116 Service men can be housed then British ex-Service men's families can also be housed, can they not?

Mr. Henderson

I do not think the second part of that supplementary question has any reference to the responsibilities of my Department. With regard to the first part of the supplementary, I do not believe that the people of this country are opposed to giving hospitality to American soldiers. I would also say that of the 116 members who are now living in private accommodation, 85 will shortly be found accommodation in the Headquarters Mess.