§ Mr. LOOKERasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the urgent need for the erection of further houses in Shoeburyness to accommodate the civilian population; and if he will take steps to ensure that the 123 houses now in military occupation, but in civilian ownership, will be rendered available for civilian accommodation at an early date?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe shortage of houses at Shoeburyness is known to the War Office. Some of the houses at present in the occupation of married soldiers there will shortly be set free, as the result of 13 married quarters in the Isle of Grain being taken over from the Royal Air Force. But I regret that I cannot hold out any early prospect of further relief; the funds available in Army Estimates for the construction of married quarters is very limited, and there are other stations where the housing shortage is more serious. I may add that only about 50 of the houses are in military occupation of soldiers who would be entitled to married quarters if they were available.