§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's current policy in respect of the married housing stock. [40855]
§ Mr. SoamesWe are continuing to consider possibilities for transferring ownership of the married quarters estate to the private sector. We expect to be in a position to clarify the way ahead before the end of the year.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) independent advisers and (b) companies who are providing advice concerning his Department's (i) housing stock and (ii) surplus land; and if he will make a statement. [40854]
§ Mr. SoamesFor management of my Department's housing stock, a number of individual consultants have been employed on a contract basis by the Defence Housing Executive. The principal companies providing advice on the possible transfer of ownership of the married quarters estate to the private sector are Nat West Markets (financial advisers), Herbert Smith (legal advisers) and Savills (property advisers).
Independent advisers who have contributed in the past year to our consideration of proposals for the married quarters estate are:
- Mr. David Dugdale
- Mr. David Hart
- Mr. Douglas Hogg
- Sir Nigel Mobbs
- The Lord Poole
In respect of surplus land, no single adviser or company provides advice on all cases. Consultants are appointed, where necessary, to provide advice on such matters as development potential, planning issues and marketing. No central record is maintained of all such current contracts.