§ 23. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Air, in view of the letter of complaint dated 15th November, from the wife of an airman of the Royal Air Force stationed in Gatow, Royal Air Force Married Quarters, Berlin, about the disrepair of those quarters and of his letter dated 18th January, admitting that repairs and anti-vermin fumigation are necessary, if he will now state what steps he has taken to make these married quarters habitable and free from vermin.
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. George Ward)The floors in the kitchen 410 and bathrooms have now been repaired and a new sink fitted. The quarter was inspected by the medical officer on 27th January, 1960. I understand that there was no evidence of vermin and that the airman's wife made no further complaint.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it is disgraceful that Her Majesty's Forces in Berlin should be treated in this fashion, so that it is necessary to bring the dilapidations to the notice of a Member of Parliament? Will the Minister say what steps are being taken to supervise the residential accommodation of the forces in Berlin now? Who is the official responsible, and what is he doing?
§ Mr. WardThe hon. and learned Gentleman knows that the medical officer visited this quarter and that twice workmen arrived to repair the floor but the airman's wife would not allow them in. That did not help matters. Now, however, I think that matters are more satisfactory, and the airman's wife certainly seems to be contented.