§ Mr. GERALD HURSTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the shortage of housing accommodation for married officers at Tidworth; that, as a result of such shortage, many officers are unable to find any accommodation whatever for their wives; that others are forced to pay exorbitant rent for rooms over shops; and if he will take action to remedy this grievance?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS:I am aware that there is, unfortunately, a shortage of housing accommodation, both for officers and other ranks, at many stations, and I would draw attention to the various building services, shown on pages 186 to 193 of the Army Estimates just issued, which are being undertaken towards remedying this position. In the present financial stringency, however, no such service can be approved without careful consideration and comparison of the needs of different stations, and, whilst the Army Council recognise and regret the shortage of houses for married officers at Tidworth, they cannot undertake to build there in preference to building at other stations where the shortage is more acute.