§ 33 and 34. Mr. Charles Smithasked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many married quarters in the Colchester garrison area have been repaired and rendered fit for occupation by families of Servicemen in the last six months or similar convenient period; and at what rate it is planned to prepare for occupation the 139 married quarters which are at present awaiting repair;
(2) how many of the 73 married quarters in the Colchester garrison area which are at present not being used for the accommodation of families are being put to a use other than the accommodation of A.T.S.; and what the uses are.
§ Mr. BellengerSince I answered a Question by my hon. Friend on this subject last week I have received more up to date figures. Only 39 married quarters in the Colchester Garrison area are now being used for purposes other than the accommodation of Army families, none of which are accommodating A.T.S. Their use 229W includes the accommodation of hospital staff, female N.A.A.F.I. staff, officers' messes, offices and a horticultural course. Seven of them are allotted to entitled civilians in War Department employment (War Department Constabulary) and 13 are irregularly occupied by civilians. I hope that these last will shortly be returned to their proper use. Sixty-four married quarters in the Colchester Garrison area have been repaired and rendered fit for occupation by entitled families since 1st January, 1947. I hope that all those at present awaiting repairs will be ready for occupation by the end of October next, provided sufficient labour and materials are available.