HC Deb 09 April 1974 vol 872 cc144-6
15. Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now make a statement on his proposals to help personnel leaving Her Majesty's Forces to buy a house of their own.

Mr. John

We have various schemes to help Service personnel to save or put down money towards house purchase. However, recent developments in the housing market have caused problems for Service people as for the rest of the community. We are therefore reviewing our schemes, but I am not yet ready to make a statement.

Mr. Latham

I appreciate the complexities of this matter, especially the tax problems, but will the hon. Gentleman review the situation urgently because it seriously worries constituents of mine?

Mr. John

The hon. Gentleman will understand that this is a matter of which the previous administration had experience for a considerable time, and it is not fair to expect the present Government to take action within a month of coming to office. The review will proceed with all necessary urgency.

Mr. Younger

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that in the current discussions which his right hon. Friend is said to be having about mortgages with the building societies the interests of Service men and women who wish to buy their houses will be borne in mind?

Mr. John

The interests of all who wish to purchase their houses will be borne in mind.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of variation in terms of the allocation of council houses by local authorities to people coming out of the Services? Will he look into the possibility of standardising procedures throughout the country?

Mr. John

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the allocation of council houses is a matter for local authorities. The Ministry of Defence has on many occasions drawn their attention to the desirability of allocating houses to retiring Service men. The hon. Gentleman may take it that this will be borne in mind in the future, as it has been in the past.

Major-General d'Avigdor-Goldsmid

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Army Benevolent Fund has and has had for some time a scheme for advancing money to people leaving the Services solely for the purpose of buying houses?

Mr. John

Yes, Sir.