asked the Secretary of State for War how soon it will be possible to clear Territorial Army drill halls of the arms and equipment which, at present, preclude the public from making even occasional use of them.

Sir J. Griģģ:

These halls may only be used by the public if they can be spared by the Army. Progress is being made with clearing them but so long as the staff to handle and the transport to carry this equipment is short the progress will, I fear, be slow.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that there are cases where these halls are the only halls available for public entertainment; and does he not agree that in such cases an early clearing of them would be highly desirable?

Sir J. Griģģ:

Yes, Sir, but I am also aware that an early clearing of the Continent would be even more desirable.