§ 28. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War how many married quarters are provided for officers instructing at the Royal Military Academy; and how many married officers are on the strength of the Academy.
§ Mr. ShinwellTwenty-two married quarters are occupied by military officers 1646 at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. There are 88 married officers on the strength of the Academy.
§ Major BeamishDoes the right hon. Gentleman not agree that it is a disgraceful state of affairs if only one-quarter of those on the strength of the Academy are enabled 'to live in married quarters, and is he further aware of the very high cost of obtaining other accommodation?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am aware of all the difficulties, but we have plans in preparation in order to remedy the defects. This is not a new problem; it is a problem which has accumulated over a long period of years.
§ Major BeamishIs the Minister aware that this problem is much more serious now than it was before the war, and that what these officers and other ranks want are not plans but houses; and will he try to cease showing such masterly inactivity in this matter?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe problem has only become more serious because of our anxiety to solve it.
§ Mr. BerryCan my right hon. Friend say how many married officers were provided with quarters when the Royal Academy was at Woolwich?
§ Mr. ShinwellIn fact, the position was exceedingly bad before this Government came into office.
§ Sir W. SmithersIt is worse now.
§ Mr. ShinwellIt is not worse now.