§ 4. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the provision of modern married quarters for troops stationed in this country; how many old quarters have been demolished during the past three years; and when he anticipates completion of the rebuilding plan and adequate provision of married quarters for all needing these.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThere have been 11,150 married quarters built since the war for officers and other ranks in the United Kingdom, and by August this year 2,300 old quarters will have been converted or modernised. About 130 old married quarters have been demolished in the past three years. Until details of the new Army organisation arc settled I cannot say when we shall complete our programme.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the hon. Gentleman say at least what percentage or proportion of married quarters have been reconstructed, particularly in view of the fact that quite a number who are living in the old married quarters still complain, some, alas, very properly, that they are so inconvenient?
§ Mr. AmeryI cannot give' the percentages offhand. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question, I will certainly answer it.
§ Mr. StracheyWould the hon. Gentleman not agree that, while this is substantial progress, it does not yet compare well 1051 with that made by the Royal Air Force, and cannot he find means to expedite it?
§ Mr. AmeryWhere proportions are concerned, I think that we can say that we compare reasonably with the Royal Air Force. Our target was, I think, 13,000 and their target 19,000. We have built 11,000 and they have built 16,000.