§ 97. Lieut.-Colonel Corbettasked the Secretary of state for Air what proportion of married Regular R.A.F. personnel serving overseas are accompanied by their wives in the respective theatres; and what prospect he can hold out of improving the position, particularly in the Middle East.
§ Mr. de FreitasThe proportions are: Mediterranean and Middle East Command, 8 per cent.; South East Asia Command, 7 per cent.; India Command, 6 per cent. As I said in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 16th October, we are doing all we can to overcome the shortage of married quarters wherever local conditions are suitable for families, but it is bound to be some time before our needs can be fully met. In the Middle East there are serious difficulties in providing accommodation at present, and I am afraid we have had to tell the Service there that no more families can go out for the time being.
§ 98. Mr. Yorkasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, while the R.A.F. Servicemen in Japan have been told that wives may join them, the wives in England are being informed by his Department that no wives are going to Japan; and whether he will make a full statement on this matter.
§ Mr. de FreitasWe have explained to the Service in Japan, and to their wives who have made inquiries in this country, that it will be some time before suitable family accommodation can be provided at the Air Force units there. If the hon. Member has particulars of any statement to the contrary, I will certainly make further inquiries.