§ 4. Bob Russell (Colchester)What progress has been made on the development of the new garrison at Colchester. [8352]
§ The Minister of State for Defence (Mr. Adam Ingram)Negotiations with the preferred bidder, RMPA Services Ltd., are continuing. I expect that a contract will be let by the middle of 2002. That is, of course, subject to the granting of the necessary planning consents.
§ Bob RussellThe scheme for the new barracks is greatly welcome, but the Minister must be aware of the considerable concern about the design and quality of the accommodation. Is that not a direct result of the private finance initiative, whereby the companies are involved in order to make a profit, and is it not at the expense of providing the best possible accommodation for the best army in the world?
§ Mr. IngramThe answer to that is no.