HC Deb 30 November 1964 vol 703 cc15-6
17. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that an adequate number of suitable lodgings and furnished houses in the Weymouth and Portland area is available for the accommodation of officers and petty officers of the Royal Navy and their families; and what steps he is taking in regard to the provision of such accommodation.

Mr. Mayhew

There is no great difficulty in housing officers and their families in this area; there is a short waiting list for chief and petty officers, and a slightly longer one for junior ratings; the position will improve from the end of this year onwards because we are building a large number of married quarters.

Mr. King

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the interval the position is likely to be made worse by the provisions of the Protection from Eviction Bill, which will operate very harshly on landlords and landladies in seaports and seaside resorts? Will he make representations to the Minister of Housing and Local Government in respect of the Service he represents?

Mr. Mayhew

In this case I do not anticipate difficulty. We have a large number, 46 officers' and 150 ratings' married quarters, going up from the beginning of this year and ending by 1966. Bearing in mind the present demand, we do not expect difficulty in this area.

Mr. Allason

Does not this depend on families leaving when the ratings go overseas? Is there not equally a difficulty when these families have to find accommodation somewhere else in the country? What arrangements does the hon. Gentleman have for that?

Mr. Mayhew

I am not aware that that problem, although it exists, arises in this area.