§ Sir C. STARMERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an order has been placed at Darlington for 5,000,000 bricks for the building of the new camp at Catterick at 16s. per 1,000 above the local price; that one block of 40 houses is entirely held up and that house building throughout the whole of Tees-side is being delayed because of the shortage of bricks caused by this demand on the part of the Government; and whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for War with a view to suspending operations at Catterick until the demand for houses is met and utilise the fully-equipped camps elsewhere?
§ Major ATTLEEI have been asked to reply. I have no information as to the first two parts of the question. As to the third part, the barrack accommodation at Catterick is urgently required to enable the Army at home to occupy its permanent peace stations, and I regret that I cannot see my way to authorise the suspension of the scheme. As I have already informed the hon. Member, the Catterick programme includes the expenditure of £400,000 on married quarters, which is in itself a considerable housing scheme, and the moves consequential on the completion of the scheme will set free in other parts of the country houses for civilian families which would otherwise be required for Army purposes.