HC Deb 14 March 1956 vol 550 c369
35. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Air, in view of the reference in the Memorandum to the Air Estimates to 1,500 houses to be built for the use of the men of the United States Air Force and their dependants, when he expects the first of these houses will be ready for occupation.

Mr. Birch

By the late summer.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Minister aware that last Wednesday, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas), he stated that these houses were for the Royal Air Force, whereas his own Memorandum to accompany the Air Estimates says that they are for the use of United States airmen? Which is correct? Can he clarify the matter?

Mr. Birch

Yes, I can clarify the matter. I made a mistake when I replied to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas). I thought that he was referring to our own houses and not to the American houses. The Air Estimates Memorandum states the position perfectly clearly and correctly.