HC Deb 26 July 1961 vol 645 c397
1. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement concerning the future of No. 7 Families Camp at Kidderminster.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. James Ramsden)

Present plans are to release No. 7 Military Families Hostel in about March, 1963.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my hon. Friend tell the House two things about the future of this camp? First, is the closure to be total and at the same moment in 1963, or is it to be a gradual close-down? Secondly, how many women and children are at present accommodated in this camp? Will it be the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to arrange alternative accommodation for them in concert with the appropriate local authorities?

Mr. Ramsden

At the moment, there are 59 families, including 133 children, in the hostel. In the nature of things, a closure of this kind would be gradual. We should naturally, when making our plans nearer the appropriate time, pay regard to the convenience of the families then concerned and to my right hon. Friend's other responsibilities.