§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the living accommodation of troops in Gibraltar; what safety and sanitary inspections have been carried out on military accommodation on the rock over the last 15 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanA new build of 45 married quarters are under construction, and it is planned to modernise some of the single soldiers' living accommodation. There is also a programme to refurbish the older married accommodation. Once this is complete we shall be able to dispense with mobile homes and the poorer stock of old married quarters situated mostly in the town. Safety and hygiene inspections have been carried out at least annually as a matter of routine.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of British troops serving overseas are living in mobile homes.
§ Mr. FreemanThere are 43 service families living in mobile homes overseas. These are all in Gibraltar. This represents about 0.05 per cent. of the total number of British troops overseas.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops stationed in Gibraltar are living in mobile homes; what were the dates of construction of these homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThere are presently 43 Army and Navy families living in mobile homes in Gibraltar. These homes were produced in 1971 and 1976 and although well maintained they are approaching the end of their economic life. It is intended in the next two years to phase out these and the poorer old quarters situated mostly in the town.