§ 19. Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will suspend proceedings for the eviction of Mrs. A. F. Gould from the quarters which she at present occupies at 33 Langton Avenue, Ambrosden, Bicester.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownNo, Sir. The quarter occupied by Mrs. Gould is needed for the family of a serving officer. I have written to the hon. Member to explain the situation.
§ Mr. HurdI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the care he has taken over the matter. Does he accept, however, that I felt bound to carry it further because it is the case of a wife deserted by an Army major, a wife who was herself a member of the Armed Services and who is now a civilian employee of the hon. Gentleman's Department? Cannot he leave her and her children in peace for a few more months so that she can try to trace her husband in Australia and obtain some regular maintenance from him?
§ Mr. BrownI have the greatest sympathy for Mrs. Gould, but my first priority must be serving soldiers and serving officers. I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that if the eviction takes place it will not be until after Christmas.