§ 35. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War what progress he has made towards finding accommodation for the wives and children of those married soldiers in Don Barracks, Aberdeen, for whose families there is no room in the barracks.
§ Mr. J. AmeryFive families have been accommodated since I answered a related Question by the hon. and learned Member on 19th February. The waiting list 962 at this barracks is, however, the same length as before, because further families have become eligible for quarters. I regret that progress cannot be more rapid because we have to accommodate extra families of the Gordon Highlanders Band at Bridge of Don until quarters become available for them at Dover, where the battalion is stationed. These families are due to move out by the end of next month when the waiting list for quarters will be much reduced.
§ Mr. Hector HughesWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for the little bit of progress he has made, may I ask him if he realises that it is unworthy of a great Power like Britain to keep married soldiers separated from their wives and families for long periods, as in this instance, and will he take urgent steps to see that those families are reunited?