asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Captain William McGrath, of the Drill Hall, Cumnock, has been threatened with eviction by the local military authorities; that no house is available for him in the district; and whether, in view of the fact that this officer has 25 years' service and has three children, he will ensure that this decision will be reconsidered until alternative housing accommodation is available.

The soldier's married quarter occupied by Captain McGrath is urgently required for a T.A. instructor who will be a married soldier With a family. Captain McGrath was told 2½ years ago that the quarter would be required and that he should make other arrangements for accommodation. Since then repeated official warnings have been issued, the fifth early this month, when Captain McGrath was notified that legal proceedings would be started if the order was not complied with. I regret that I am unable to intervene further.

Will the Minister give a definite guarantee that these long-service men will not be evicted?

I am afraid that I have no alternative in the matter. We must have accommodation for the men now in the Services.

Can the Minister say whether Captain McGrath is a serving officer, and, if so, why is a serving officer in the men's quarters?

I understand that in 1943 Captain McGrath was granted an emergency commission and was allowed to remain, but he has now left the Army.