§ 22. Dr. Alan Glynasked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of married non-commissioned officers and other ranks stationed in the United Kingdom is still awaiting allocation of married quarters.
§ Mr. Ramsden31.6 per cent. of those entitled to married quarters are without them. 11.3 per cent—again of those 237 entitled—are living together in private accommodation and 12.5 per cent. have not applied for quarters.
§ Dr. GlynWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he would not agree that this is one of the basic things in the Army? As long as we have people of 18 and 19 marrying, they will not enter the Army, or if they do, they will not stay in it unless we give them married accommodation. Will my hon. Friend consider making this No. 1 priority for the Army?
§ Mr. RamsdenThe question of the age of entitlement is another and much bigger question. I can only tell my hon. Friend that only 7.8 per cent. of those who are entitled to married quarters are separated and have applied for quarters. Though I deeply regret that there should be any families in this position, I think we must keep this whole question in perspective.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeWill my hon. Friend pay particular attention to the married quarters which are offered to those who are on the permanent staffs of training schools? Is he aware that in many cases there are nothing better than nissen huts, and that if we are to have first-class technical training for the Army it is essential that the permanent staffs should be properly housed?
§ Mr. RamsdenYes, Sir. We are engaged in a very substantial building programme at the moment. There are some 2,400 quarters being built, and planning approval is being obtained for a further 4,200. I shall pay attention to what my hon. Friend has suggested.