HC Deb 18 May 1949 vol 465 cc411-2
22. Mrs. Middleton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what proposals he has to make concerning the increase of married quarters or other housing accommodation to meet the needs of naval personnel serving in the Plymouth area.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

It is not at present Admiralty policy to build married quarters in the home ports. The need for naval married quarters in the United Kingdom is greatest at isolated establishments where there is little chance for officers and men to obtain a house through the civilian authority, and priority is at present being given to building married quarters at isolated naval air stations. Questions about the provision of other housing accommodation are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister to her Question on 7th April last.

Mrs. Middleton

Will my hon. Friend keep in mind the discontent that there is among naval men in home ports, particularly those like Plymouth which have been heavily blitzed, because of the great difficulty of getting any kind of accommodation for their families; and will he ask his representatives to consult with the civilian authorities in the different areas over this matter?

Mr. Edwards

All these factors are borne in mind, but it is because we have a number of remote air stations that we are giving them priority over the home ports.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether any steps have been taken to provide prefabricated houses as a temporary measure owing to the great pressure on civilian accommodation and the extreme shortage of married quarters in the Royal Navy?

Mr. Edwards

No, I am afraid we cannot do any more than that at present within the Navy Estimates. We are going on building traditional buildings, which are far better if they are to be of a permanent nature, and we are doing all we possibly can in the construction of married quarters.

Commander Galbraith

Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to encourage his right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to build houses for naval personnel in the naval ports?