HL Deb 22 January 1998 vol 584 c264WA
The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the findings of the survey of married Armed Forces personnel concerning their satisfaction or otherwise with their married quarters; and what steps the Ministry of Defence is taking to address the situation. [HL13]

Lord Gilbert

The Defence Housing Executive commission's detailed independent surveys covering the full range of its housing management responsibilities. The first such survey was undertaken in 1995 during the transitional period leading to the assumption of full management responsibility for housing by DHE from the Services and showed that overall 55 per cent. of respondents were satisfied with the general condition of their accommodation compared with 25 per cent. who were dissatisfied. The MoD embarked on a major upgrade programme for its housing stock and is planned to spend a total of £470 million by 2004.

The second survey was undertaken in late 1997 so that trends in satisfaction levels could be measured. The results are currently being compiled by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and will be available in the spring when I will write to the noble Lord and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.