§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the plans for providing homes at Gibraltar for those residents who were evacuated for military reasons during the early stages of the war; and what were the assurances given to these people at that time.
§ Mr. George HallTwo main housing schemes are at present in hand in Gibraltar; one for building large blocks of flats which it is estimated will ultimately accommodate 3,000 persons, and one for providing temporary accommodation to relieve existing congestion and, when this has been done, to house returning evacuees. Plans for the permanent scheme have been approved and tenders invited. Under the temporary scheme 949 persons had been accommodated in temporary houses at the 14th May; and further accommodation of this type, which is expected to become progressively available during the next five months, will house about 600 more. Apart from these two main schemes, 22 houses of permanent type are being built, and are hoped eventually to take about 200 persons, and the release of various buildings by the military authorities will provide room for about 71W 450 more during the next six months. As regards the second part of the Question, no special assurances were given at the time of evacuation.