§ 25. Mr. C. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the shortage of accommodation for families of soldiers serving in East Africa; how many families have sailed for East Africa under War Office auspices since 1st January, 1948; what steps are being taken to overcome the accommodation shortage in East Africa; and whether he is aware that the shortage is in some cases causing further separation of husbands and wives, who, because of military exigencies, have only been able to spend three months together in the last five and a half years.
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§ Mr. ShinwellI am fully aware that there is unfortunately a world wide shortage of married quarters. Seventy-two wives and 72 children have been sent to East Africa under War Office arrangements since 1st January. All commands, including East Africa, are doing their best to provide the maximum number of married quarters within the means at their disposal. The possibility of improving the position is limited largely by the availability of labour and materials, and by equally urgent demands for other kinds of accommodation.