§ 10. Mr. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of persons who have applied for married quarters for whom there are none available.
§ Mr. ProfumoThere are at present about 15,000 soldiers for whom we can not provide married quarters. However, two-thirds of these have their families with them in other accommodation.
§ Mr. MorrisIn view of the disappointing results last year, when only £1 million was spent on housing, etc., compared with the £3 million planned, when do the Government hope to make up for this lost ground? In which year do the Government expect that every soldier who is entitled to a married quarter and wants one will be able to get one?
§ Mr. ProfumoThe last part of the question would be very difficult for even the hon. Gentleman, with his mathematical mind, to answer. It depends on how many new soldiers come in, how many of them marry, and at what age. I cannot throw estimates across the House of Commons unless I know them to be in some measure accurate. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that this year, taking this country and B.A.O.R. alone, we shall be building married quarters at the rate of 400 per week.*
§ * Note: See correction in first few lines of col. 370.