§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why some new occupants of Service married quarters are immediately disturbed by a demand for their married quarters to be renovated and modernised, when these particular married quarters have been unoccupied for periods during which this work could have been completed. [HL26]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)The Defence Housing Executive, which is responsible for the maintenance and provision of accommodation to Service families, is working to bring all properties required for long term retention up to Grade 1 condition by means of an extensive works programme.
In order that families are not disturbed by renovation work during their occupancy, every effort is made to ensure that any necessary work is carried out before a new family moves into a property. Unfortunately, however, this is not always feasible. In such cases DHE will, wherever possible, offer to move affected families to another property while major work is going on. Such moves are known as "decanting", and are not always possible. Even where such a move can be offered, not all families wish to accept it.
From the information supplied, it is not possible to provide a more precise answer to the noble Lord's question. If his Lordship is able to supply further particulars, a full reply can be given, based on the specific circumstances of each incident.