§ 9. Miss Vickersasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many homes have been built by his Department for the families of the Royal Navy in each year since 1945; how many are in the process of being built; and what is the programme for 1956–57.
§ Mr. DigbyAs the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Miss VickersAre the wives and families who are having the benefit of these houses allowed to have security of tenure when their husbands are posted overseas?
§ Mr. DigbyThat is a rather different question, but as a rule that would not be the case. I should like to point out that we are undertaking at present a larger programme of building married quarters than ever before.
Following is the Answer:The decision to provide married quarters for the Royal Navy was taken in 1946 and, between 1948 and 1950, 248 were completed. The numbers completed each financial year since 31st March, 1950, are as follows:379, 239, 587, 642, 473.It is estimated that 635 quarters will be completed in the present financial year. Some 2,300 quarters will be in various stages of construction on 1st April, 1956, of which it is estimated that some 931 will be completed by 31st March, 1957.