§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the use of Ministry of Defence owned houses outside security areas, by members of the public.
§ Mr. FreemanMinistry of Defence houses are provided specifically to accommodate married service personnel, Ministry of Defence police officers and certain key civilian employees. When houses outside security areas become surplus to MOD's long-term requirements and can be sold, they are normally offered either to service men or tenants under one of our internal discount schemes or, if that is not possible, an open market sale is arranged. Sometimes, however, we have houses outside security areas which we know will be needed in the long-term, but which are, nevertheless, likely to be vacant for at least six months. Wherever possible we offer these properties to local authorities or housing associations on a short lease to house members of the public on a temporary basis. We currently have 378 properties on lease to local authorities in various parts of the country.