§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many residential dwellings are owned by his Department; how many are currently vacant; and what has been the average length of time they have been vacant. [53910]
§ Mr. SpellarAs at 30 June 1998, the Ministry of Defence either owned or leased, mainly from Annington Homes, 67,463 family dwellings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, of which 13,922 are currently vacant. Information on the average length of time a property has been vacant is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Additionally, between 260 and 300 houses are managed by Commands for civilian occupancy but vacancy rates are not held centrally.
§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service families are accommodated in privately owned homes; and what is the average annual rent of these properties. [53911]
§ Mr. SpellarThe number of Service families accommodated in privately owned rental properties in England, Scotland and Wales is 914. The approximate average annual rent for this type of property is £9,500. The figures exclude houses leased by MOD from Annington Homes.