HC Deb 19 September 1950 vol 478 cc1705-6
25. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government intend to build married quarters for the British occupational troops in Austria.

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. The Austrian Government provide the accommodation.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the United States Government have already built married accommodation for their troops; that there is plenty of building material and labour available in Austria to do so, and that the continual holding in requisition of Austrian civilian accommodation does create a good deal of ill-feeling?

Mr. Strachey

For the British Government to undertake the permanent building of married quarters in Austria, I think, would be a serious step which would have financial and political implications.

Commander Noble

Will not the Secretary of State reconsider this matter, because money is available, and it would be of the greatest help to the Austrian economy if we built some houses, as the Americans have done?

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

The right hon. Gentleman referred to building permanent accommodation. No one suggests that permanent accommodation would be required. I suggest that the right hon. Gentleman should look into the question again, and consider the building of temporary accommodation, which would release Austrian civilian accommodation.