§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on the sale of MOD accommodation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonSurplus married quarters which are suitable for individual sale are offered for sale to service personnel at a discount. Any which are not suitable for individual sale would normally be offered for sale in bulk on the open market to the highest bidder. In line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Defence's housing task force, all bulk sales of surplus married quarters are now offered in the first instance to housing associations at a discount in return for nomination rights on a proportion of the properties for a period of five years; the size of the discount and the number of nominations are determined on a case-by-case basis. Surplus civilian houses are sold on the open market, but any which are occupied are first offered for sale to the sitting tenant at a discount. If they do not wish to purchase, the property is sold on the open market as an investment sale and the occupant is given a protected tenancy.