§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many married quarters in the Woolwich area were empty at the most recent convenient date; for what reasons; and what steps he is taking to ensure that living accommodation is put to good use.
§ Mr. WigginOn 15 October there were 34 Army married quarters empty in the Woolwich area, all awaiting roof repairs. These repairs are expected to be completed in about six months. There are currently over 50 Army personnel on the waiting list for married accommodation in the area and these quarters will be re-occupied as soon as they can be made available. Two out of 16 houses on lease from the local authority for use by Ministry of Defence police are empty at the moment, but it is expected that these will be re-occupied very shortly.
The Ministry of Defence has an active programme for the disposal of married quarters which become surplus to requirements but none are at present surplus in the Woolwich area.