§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the percentage of married Service men (a) at the time of the introduction of the military salary, (b) in 1974 and (c) at the present time; in each case what percentage of married men lived in Service quarters, distinguishing if possible between the United Kingdom and overseas; and to what he attributes the fall in demand for married quarters in the United Kingdom.
90W
§ Dr. GilbertThe military salary was introduced in 1970. The percentage of married Service men in 1970, 1974 and 1977 was 58 per cent., 60 per cent. and 58 per cent. respectively. The figures for 1978 will be compiled in June.
The percentage of married men living in Service quarters—including hirings—at home and abroad was:
As I said on 21st February, the decline in demand for married quarters in the United Kingdom is due to several factors of which accommodation charges would be one and the trend towards home ownership another. There has also been a significant reduction in the numbers of the Armed Forces stationed in the United Kingdom.—[Vol. 944, c. 1195–6.]
1970 Per cent. 1974 Per cent. 1977 Per cent. United Kingdom … 67 71 67 Overseas … 59 70 82