§ 60. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are being made for the accommodation of the wives and families of men serving in the Essex Regiment, at present living in married quarters in Germany but due to return to the United Kingdom when these soldiers are posted to Korea.
§ Mr. J. R. H. HutchisonArrangements are being made for those families who 1035 cannot find accommodation for themselves to use the families hostels in this country.
§ Mr. DribergCan the hon. Gentleman say if it is correct, as these families believe, that if they had been in married quarters in this country they would have been allowed to stay on in them until they had found proper accommodation for themselves, and can he say whether it is also the case that there are 30 or 40 families who will be required to find their own accommodation—which it is very difficult for them to do?
§ Mr. HutchisonIt is true that when soldiers are sent to Korea from this country we do what we can to leave the families in the accommodation in which they are, but sometimes they also have to be accommodated in the families hostel camps. I am aware that we are asking some of the families to try to find their own accommodation when they get here, but none of them will be left stranded.
§ Mr. DribergWhy should there be this discrimination against Service men and their families serving in Germany as compared with this country? If it is because of the shortage of married quarters there, is there not also a great pressure on accommodation here?
§ Mr. HutchisonIt arises from the shortage of available married quarters.
Mr. McAddeoCan my hon. Friend say if there is any accommodation available in the married quarters at Warley and Colchester, and if not, will he make representations to the housing authorities in Essex to try to do something to help in this matter?
§ Mr. HutchisonI should really have to have notice of that.