asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the anxiety caused to the employees of R.A.O.C. and R.E.M.E. Records offices, Leicester, by the pressure to vacate existing premises without alternative accommodation being yet available, and whether, having regard to the administrative difficulties to the two corps which will be involved in a move from Leicester, he will give an assurance that the offices concerned will remain at Leicester.

I am aware that the civilian staff employed in these offices would deprecate any move from Leicester. As the hon. Member knows, however, the offices are accommodated in requisitioned premises, which cannot be retained indefinitely. The possibility of keeping them in Leicester will, therefore, depend on whether suitable alternative accommodation can be provided. For this reason, I regret that I cannot give any definite assurance that these Records Offices will remain in Leicester although I am anxious that they should stay there.

In view of the enormous difficulty all over the country in obtaining housing accommodation, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will not staff these offices from Leicester unless he is absolutely compelled to do so?

I am anxious they should stay there, but it depends on their being able to get accommodation.