HC Deb 06 November 1961 vol 648 cc26-7W
Mr. Snow

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the transfer of wives of soldiers serving in the Staffordshire Regiment who have been detained at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, because of lack of married quarter accommodation at Colchester, in view of the situation which arises in connection wth one wife concerned who is in delicate health, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth.

Mr. Profumo

Despite the intensive building programme, there is still a shortage of married quarters in Colchester, and the supply must be shared between all units in the garrison. Two-thirds of the families of the Staffordshire Regiment are already accommodated there. The remaining families will be moved from Lichfield when quarters now under construction are available.

I have carefully considered the circumstances of the wife to whom the hon. Gentleman refers, but I regret that I could not justify exceptional treatment in her case.