§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received from representatives of the armed forces concerning the proposed married quarters sale; [35612]
(2) what representations he has received from the chiefs of staff concerning his Department's proposed married quarters sale. [35614]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotOur proposals have been developed in full consultations with the chiefs of staff. The terms of the sale have been carefully designed to safeguard the528W interests of, and produce significant benefits for, the services and service families. The chiefs of staff share the Government's view that we now have the right basis for real improvements in service housing, which are long overdue.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what alternative proposals to his Department's scheme for the married quarters sale he has evaluated. [35613]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIn recent years, we have considered several different approached to achieving our objective of improving the quality and management of service housing. These included different forms of sale, and retaining ownership. We believe that the proposals we have now put to bidders for the sale of the married quarters estate are the right answer, subject to reaching agreement on terms which satisfy the interests of the services and on a price which properly reflects the public interest.
§ Dr. ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning Mr. David Hart's involvement in his Department's married quarters sale. [35615]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minster of State for the Armed Forces on 22 March 1995,Official Report, column 218.