§ 107. Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the distress caused to certain families of soldiers 48W serving overseas who are now living in married quarters at Gibraltar Barracks, Bury St. Edmunds, by a recent notice that must vacate their quarters and move into family camps; and if he will ensure that the dependants of men serving overseas are not given worse accommodation than those serving at home.
§ Mr. StracheyThese families have nor been told to move into family camps. They have been asked to vacate the quarters but it has been made clear to them that they can remain where they are until they find private accommodation or until alternative War Department accommodation, which is not at present available, can be provided. Owing to the general shortage of married quarters in this country, I am afraid that I can give no undertaking that families of men serving overseas can remain in married quarters indefinitely, since men serving at home would thereby be deprived of the opportunity of being united with their families. I can, however, promise that they will not be required to leave until they have found private accommodation or other War Department accommodation becomes available.