HC Deb 05 July 1977 vol 934 cc505-6W
14. Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the houses at RAF Fauld have been empty for more than one year.

Mr. Wellbeloved

All 10 of the former RAF houses at Fauld have been empty for more than one year. As I told my hon. Friend on 20th December 1976— [Vol. 923, c. 30 and 31]—the houses have been passed to the Property Services Agency for disposal.

29. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many quarters owned by the Ministry of Defence in the neighbourhood of RAF Brize Norton now stand empty; and what was the corresponding figure two years ago.

Mr. Wellbeloved

On 1st June 1977 there were 545 vacant married quarters in the vicinity of RAF Brize Norton. The corresponding figure on 1st June 1975 was 74.

Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many dwellings owned by his Department are currently unoccupied; what are the principal reasons for this; and what is the average rent being asked for one of these dwellings.

Dr. Gilbert

The latest available figures show some 14,000 married quarters and Ministry of Defence civilian staff houses vacant in the United Kingdom. I would refer the hon. Member to the debate on the Armed Forces' conditions of service on 16th June 1977—[Vol. 933, c. 666–8]— for the principal reasons for these vacancies.

The accommodation charge for Service married quarters includes elements for rent, rates, furnishings and maintenance and varies with the size of quarter. The current charge for a typical three-bed-roomed quarter normally occupied by a junior officer is £13.16 a week. The charge for a typical three-bedroomed quarter normally occupied by a Service man with two children is £9.59 a week.