§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force married quarters are occupied by cohabiting couples; and what Government policy is regarding the allocation of married quarters to members of the armed forces who are not married. [151354]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence uses marital status as the determinant in its policy when allocating married quarters. Married personnel, and lone parents with dependant children for whom they have prime responsibility, are currently entitled to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA). Single personnel and lone parents are not authorised to cohabit with a partner in SFA or SSFA.
From time to time cases do come to light. Currently, in Great Britain, two suspected cases are being investigated and in two other cases irregular occupants, who may be cohabiting, are under notice to vacate.