asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the plans for married families of officers and other ranks of the Royal Air Force who have been unable, since December, to join their husbands in Cyprus; when he expects that they will be permitted to go; and what steps he is taking to reduce the hardships involved in the meantime.

Because of the uncertain situation in Cyprus, we have not felt able to allow any large flow of families to the island. We have, however, authorised a small controlled movement, starting this month. Provided the situation does not worsen, families will be able to go to Cyprus approximately six months after the husband's posting. If there are any cases of special hardship among the families who are waiting in this country I will see what can be done to help.

While appreciating the very difficult circumstances with which our Forces and their families have had to contend in Cyprus, I am sure that the House will welcome the decision to restart the flow of families to Cyprus. What is being done in the many cases where families have had to quit their existing married quarters, many of them having no alternative place to go to in this country? Is the Royal Air Force able to assist in these cases?

We are doing all we can to assist. In special cases of hardship we are moving families to other Air Force stations where they can find accommodation, but if any hon. Member raises any special case of hardship, I shall be very pleased to see what I can do.

I have recently returned from a visit to the Royal Air Force in Germany where I saw how much is being done to accommodate families out there. Will my hon. Friend confirm that it is the Government's policy where it is humanly possible to keep families together?

Yes, Sir. The announcement which I have just made shows that this is our policy.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are cases of extreme hardship when a man is posted to Cyprus and his family has to vacate its married quarters in Britain? Can something be done with the army, now that we have combined Services, to interchange married quarters and to alleviate the dreadful hardship which is inflicted on these families?

I thank my hon. Friend for his suggestion. I will certainly look into any means by which we can alleviate the problem, but we are doing all we can.