HC Deb 07 March 1956 vol 549 c2098
35. Mr. Freeth

asked the Secretary of State for Air what recent representations he has made to United States Air Force authorities for them speedily to make adequate provision for married American military personnel, and their wives, who are stationed at Greenham Common, Newbury, in order to relieve the housing difficulties experienced by the local civilian population.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Nigel Birch)

I understand that the United States authorities have plans for providing married quarters at this airfield when funds are available.

Mr. Freeth

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that he has made all possible representations regarding the speedier erection of married quarters, since the lack of them is causing a great housing shortage in the district and also ill-feeling between the civil population and the American airmen?

Mr. Birch

I am very well aware of the situation. The United States Air Force is anxious to put up quarters, but Congress has to provide the money first.

Mr. de Freitas

Surely the 1,500 houses which the Secretary of State spoke about will go some way to relieve the position here and elsewhere, in East Anglia and Lincolnshire?

Mr. Birch

I was talking about houses for the Royal Air Force. This relates to houses for the American Air Force.