Catterick Camp (Hansard, 13 April 1954)

§ 2. Mr. Driberg
asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the squalid and obsolete character of many of the buildings in Catterick Camp; and what improvements are now in hand.

§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Antony Head)
In addition to the building of the four new barrack blocks, of which the hon. Member is already aware, improvements of the water and electricity supplies for the camp and some lesser rebuilding are planned to start this year. A survey of the whole camp has just been completed and we aim to start work on a long-term plan for the development of the camp as soon as possible.

§ Mr. Driberg
In the light of that survey, can the right hon. Gentleman say roughly what proportion of the existing accommodation consists of huts which were intended to be temporary when they were built in 1914?

§ Mr. Head
About two-thirds. Did the hon. Member say "1914"?

§ Mr. Driberg
Yes.

§ Mr. Head
In that case the figure is about one-third.

§ Mr. Awbery
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I reported to him some time ago the condition of another camp which was in a very deplorable condition? Will he refrain from calling up National Service men until these camps are in a condition to receive them?