§ 51. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Defence for how many Service personnel and for how many members of their families he has accommodation in Malta; and what is the average cost per man per day involved in maintaining a private soldier in Malta, Germany, and the United Kingdom, respectively.
§ Mr. BoydenThere is accommodation for 4,015 single personnel and for 2,250 Service families. The average costs are £3 4s., £3 10s., and £3 12s., respectively.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view in particular of the cost figures which the hon. 1201 Gentleman has quoted, may I ask whether he is considering the sending to Malta of some of the troops who are withdrawn from other stations, using the accommodation there at apparently less cost to public funds than maintaining them in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. BoydenNo, Sir.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesHow long would it be before the alleged extra cost of keeping troops in Malta was amortised and reached a greater figure than the capital sum which would be involved in rebuilding the barracks in Britain?
§ Mr. BoydenThe hon. and gallant Member should give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunAs I said a few minutes ago without getting a reply, if these men were brought home and demobilised, since they are either single men or mostly married men with wives living in this country, no or very little additional housing would be required to accommodate them.
§ Mr. BoydenI cannot accept that.