§ 37. Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and other ranks, respectively, are serving in Germany accompanied by their wives but not living in Service houses.
§ Mr. RamsdenEight officers and 657 other ranks of those serving in Germany accompanied by their wives are not living In Service accommodation.
§ Mr. MasonCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how long these 657 other ranks are destined to wait for satisfactory housing conditions in West Germany? Is he aware that a lot of them are living in one-room flats; that they, with their wives and children, have to live, eat and sleep in one room under shocking conditions, details of which I have sent to him? Is he aware that when they report their complaints to Members of Parliament they are being intimidated by the military police?
§ Mr. RamsdenI cannot accept the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. If he knows of any such cases I hope he will write to me giving specific details. On the general question, I am aware of the difficulties, and my right hon. Friend will certainly have something to say about the whole matter in his speech on the Army Estimates next week.