§ 98. Sir C. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for War why houses requisitioned for the accommodation of British soldiers and their families in Germany are charged at a higher rent than that paid by the Government to the Germans so that a 73W profit is made on the letting of these houses; whether he has considered complaints about this from men living in these premises; and what he proposes to do about it.
§ Mr. J. FreemanStandard charges are made for married quarters at rates appropriate to the type of quarter: they are applicable at home and abroad. In Germany, where families are housed in houses or flats, every endeavour is made to allot accommodation equivalent to the standard type of quarter for which the charges were fixed. Rent is not paid by His Majesty's Government, the accommodation needed being provided by Germany as part of the cost of occupation. The system of flat rate charges has obvious advantages. The charges have been assessed on a reasonable basis and I am not aware of any complaints.
§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from what source the 840 British teachers are drawn who are to be sent to Germany; whether the salaries of these teachers are regulated by the Burnham Scales; what has been the principle of their selection; and have the teachers' associations been consulted in that selection.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe teaching posts in the British families' education service in Germany, which are expected to number less than 350, not 840, have been advertised in the educational Press, and applicants are selected by reference to qualifications and teaching experience combined with personal suitability for the special conditions obtaining in Germany. The salaries have due regard to the Burnham Scales The whole arrangements have been made in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education; and informal contact has been made on the general questions with the National Union of Teachers, who have given full cooperation.