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Control Commission, Germany (Accommodation)

Volume 464: debated on Tuesday 26 April 1949

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asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the circumstances in which 31 Mess, Bunde, C.C.G.(B.E.), was rendered an uneconomical unit in order to make it available as a married quarter; if he is prepared to accept the decision of the chief administrative officer to insist upon the closing of this mess in spite of the methods employed by the local administration to make this mess with its amenities peculiarly suitable for the single element, in order that it may become the perquisite of one officer and his wife; and, in view of the injustice thus done to the members of 31 Mess, what action he is taking to remedy the matter.

The mess in question has been closed because the number of single persons to be accommodated has fallen to three. It was chosen for closure after proper and careful consideration and my right hon. Friend cannot accept any suggestion that improper methods have been used. The building is suitable for use as a married quarter, and will be so used. There is a waiting list of families eligible for such quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the rearrangement of the living accommodation in the Control Commission for Germany does not involve hardship for the single and favouritism for the married element.

Yes. As the Commission grows smaller, it is logical and necessary to reduce the number of messes for accommodating single persons and to concentrate those that are retained so as to simplify administration.