§ 39. Mr. Rossasked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been, and are being, taken to provide adequate permanent accommodation for Army personnel in Aden.
§ Mr. SoamesSixteen new barrack huts are nearly complete. They will provide air-conditioned sleeping accommodation for 640 men. A second contract has recently been placed for 240 married quarters and air-conditioned barracks for an infantry battalion. The first block should be ready in ten months and the rest by the summer of 1961. A third contract will be let in the spring to provide messes and offices. Those are the principal measures. We are also putting up camps with air-conditioned sleeping quarters for a number of troops who would otherwise be under canvas or in overcrowded huts. Any further building will depend on the size of the permanent garrison of Aden.
§ Mr. MellishHow many of our personnel are in Aden? We have heard that 640 men will have air-conditioned accommodation.
§ Mr. SoamesThis is related to a Question which the hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) asked me last week about the number at present living in tented accommodation in Aden. The Answer was about 700.
§ Mr. KershawMy right hon. Friend did not say in his Answer whether married quarters are to be air-conditioned. I should like to know whether they are. If not, will it not be very hot for married couples in Aden?
§ Mr. SoamesThere will be a measure of air conditioning in married quarters.