§ 37. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the obsolete and out-moded accommodation for Service men at Maryhill Barracks; and if he will, in reviewing the Army's future needs, permit the resumption of building of new accommodation at Cardross.
§ Mr. J. AmeryA good deal of work has been done at different times to modernise Maryhill Barracks, but to proceed further with this programme now that we are uncertain how long we shall need the barracks would not be in the interest of public economy. As to Cardross, I regret that I cannot go beyond my Written Answer of 5th March to a similar Question by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HannanCan the Under-Secretary say whether a decision in this matter is likely to be come to very soon?
§ Mr. AmeryI cannot say how soon it will be arrived at. It is not our intention to remain in the barracks indefinitely.
§ Mr. StracheyBut cannot the hon. Gentleman give us rather more hope of progress in this matter of barracks? After all, his colleague the Secretary of State for Air is now reported to he moving at more than supersonic speed. Cannot the hon. Gentleman at any rate move at some speed in this matter of barracks accommodation, which is, perhaps, the most important single factor in recruiting a voluntary Army?
§ Mr. AmeryI do not think that the Under-Secretary of State to the War Office should try to break through the sound barrier.
§ Mr. RossMay I, as one with experience of Maryhill barracks, ask the Under-Secretary if it is not about time that they were designated as an ancient monument and handed over to the care of the Minister of Works?