§ 40. Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the undesirability of uprooting married families unnecessarily, he is satisfied with the arrangements made by his Department for moving units from one station to another; what considerations of policy guide him in this matter; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. WardWe do all we can to avoid unnecessary moves. Changes in airfield requirements, the need to lengthen or strengthen runways, and the concentration of units as the Service contracts make a number of moves unavoidable. Moreover, as opportunities arise we are moving units from temporary stations to suitable stations with permanent buildings.
§ Mr. de FreitasIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling in the Service that administrative convenience is often put too high and comfort, especially of married families who are in married quarters, too low? Will he look particularly at this matter where units established in married quarters are moved to other stations?
Mr. WardYes, Sir. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are very conscious of the need to keep married families in the same place as long as we can.