HC Deb 19 June 1969 vol 785 c690
42. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the shortage of accommodation for constables of the Hampshire police authority living in Portsmouth, he will give approval to expenditure on additional accommodation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Elysian Morgan

The police housing programme is primarily a matter for the Hampshire police authority; my right hon. Friend has agreed to the authority's proposals for housing expenditure in the current year. I am not aware of any special difficulty at Portsmouth.

Mr. Judd

Is my hon. Friend aware that public attention has been drawn to this due to a recent statement by the chief constable that there is concern about the impact on morale and a possible impact on recruiting due to the shortage of housing, and will he contemplate taking special action in this respect?

Mr. Morgan

The police authority has put forward a scheme whereby loans can be made to police officers who wish to become owner-occupiers. This scheme makes special arrangements to cover the difficulties which arise when a police officer has to transfer to another part of the force area.