HC Deb 20 July 1972 vol 841 cc898-9
28. Mr. Soref

asked the Minister of State for Defence what assistance his Department gives members of Her Majesty's forces with the finding of houses following their demobilisation.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

For those Servicemen who wish to purchase homes there are a number of schemes, such as the assisted house purchase scheme and special arrangements with building societies. So far as council housing is concerned, there is a Government circular to local authorities asking for their co-operation and I am glad to say that most ex-Service men do not have much difficulty in obtaining accommodation.

Mr. Soref

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply. Does he concede that many Service men who are not on housing lists are at a great disadvantage on demobilisation and that particularly those stationed in Ulster prior to demobilisation are worthy of special consideration?

Mr. Johnson Smith

The position of a soldier in Ulster is no different from that of any other soldier who leaves the Army. But people who join the Army join on the basis that they may be called upon to serve in any part of the world. Advice about housing is given to all soldiers prior to their leaving the Army, and the Government's circular was issued to local authorities in order to help soldiers who sought council housing but did not qualify on grounds of residence. I am glad to say that most local authorities have found themselves able to co-operate.