HC Deb 03 May 1949 vol 464 cc43-4W
20. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for War how many non-commissioned officers have been waiting a year or longer for married quarters; how far their needs will be met in the current year; and if he is aware that from this cause the Army is losing many instructors whose experience is essential for the proper training of National Service men.

Mr. Shinwell

In the United Kingdom approximately 420 non-commissioned officers have been waiting a year or longer for married quarters. At least 850 new married quarters for other ranks are to be completed this year, and I hope that this number may in fact be exceeded. As I said in the course of the Debate on Army Estimates, the provision of suitable housing is vital and is being treated with the utmost sense of urgency.