§ 30. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the public protest made by the Glamorgan Territorial Army Forces Association concerning the dwellings in 76 which they have to operate; and what proposals he has for improved accommodation conditions for these men.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. James Ramsden)I am aware of a report which appeared in the Western Mail on 20th December, 1962. Brigadier Hurford was referring to a few of the married quarters held by the Glamorgan Association for the Regular Army permanent staff attached to the local Territorial Army units, and I regret that the remarks attributed to him in the newspaper were only a partial report and give a wrong impression of the real state of affairs. The Association holds 48 married quarters, and those built since the War are well situated in residential areas and constructed to modern standards; those criticised were built at the turn of the century and are not where we should put them now.
§ Mr. ThomasDo I understand that the Minister is expressing satisfaction with the accommodation? If not, can he give an idea how long it will be before the quarters described as "slums" will be put out of operation? Will he make a further statement?
§ Mr. RamsdenIn the context of the discussion in which the remarks were made reference was being made by the brigadier to the location of these quarters, a few of which are in areas a good deal less fashionable than those in which we build modern quarters. With regard to the Glamorgan association and other associations throughout the country, the modernising and bringing up to date of their quarters is entirely satisfactory.