§ 24. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the standards of barrack accommodation being taken back into use for units withdrawn to the United Kingdom from stations overseas; and whether he will make a statement.
The Minister of Defence (Administration) (Mr. G. W. Reynolds)Yes, Sir. Accommodation will be available in camps and barracks which have been held in reserve against emergencies. These are being renovated for occupation until new or modernised barracks are ready.
§ Mr. OnslowCan the Minister give the House a positive assurance that none of the accommodation to be taken back into use is of a lower standard in living, messing and sanitation respects than barracks which have been demolished in the last two years?
§ Mr. ReynoldsI think that I can give such an assurance. Barracks which have been demolished over the last two years include, however, a wide number, some of which have been demolished to make way for the permanent building programme of brand new barracks which we must provide as soon as we can for units and homes for those coming back.
§ Mr. RamsdenIs the Ministry contemplating reactivating Fort George, as reported in the Press? This fort was regarded as no longer suitable for troops some years ago.
§ Mr. ReynoldsI can only say that the right hon. Gentleman does not seem to be aware of the amount of money spent on rehabilitating Fort George when he was Minister of Defence for the Army. It is in very good condition. I visited it about eight months ago.