§ 64. Commander Maitlandasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty where it is proposed to build, or otherwise to provide, the 3,200 houses proposed to be allocated to the Royal Navy under the Armed Forces (Housing Loan) Bill; and if he will state particularly how many houses are to be provided at each of the home ports.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)I am not in a position to inform the hon. and gallant Member in detail where the Admiralty propose to build married quarters in Great Britain. The Admiralty plan is to build married quarters at isolated establishments and 1150 not at present at the home ports. Many decisions remain to be taken before the Admiralty housing programme can be completed, including decisions whether individual establishments under consideration will be permanent. The number of houses referred to by the hon. and gallant Member represents no more than an estimate, and should not be regarded as a statement of firm requirements.
§ Commander MaitlandCan we take it that it is not Admiralty policy to build any of these houses in home ports? Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that there is a very great need for them and that there is a great desire in the Navy to get them?
§ Mr. EdwardsAt the moment it is not Admiralty policy to build them in home ports because we are concentrating on the home air stations in particular. The question of the home ports can be considered at a later date.
§ Mr. BaldwinCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these cottages will be tied or not?