HC Deb 12 April 2000 vol 348 cc146-7W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many houses specifically for junior officers in the Royal Navy are planned to be built, at what cost and in what locations, in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [118063]

Dr. Moonie

During 1999–2000 25 three bedroomed houses were released in a phased handover at Broadwater Park, Ilchester, Yeovil to meet a Royal Navy requirement for junior officers, i.e. Lieutenants and Sub Lieutenants. The accommodation was made available through a Private Finance Initiative (PH) scheme. The annual charge for this type of property, which includes maintenance to an agreed standard, is commercially sensitive information. I am therefore withholding the information under exemption 7a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

During 2000–01 it is planned that a PFI contract for Bristol, Bath, Portsmouth and Shrivenham will be placed. This will provide 70 officers' houses at Seafield Park, Stubbington (including 15 which will be built using Ministry of Defence capital) to meet a joint RN and RAF requirement. The majority are likely to be allocated to RN families. Firm costs are not yet available and are likely to be commercially sensitive. It is expected that construction will be completed during 2001–02.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the PH scheme to build homes for Royal Navy and RAF officers in Stubbington, Hampshire; and if he will make a statement. [118059]

Dr. Moonie

The proposed Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract for Bristol, Bath, Portsmouth and Shrivenham includes the provision of 55 properties at Seafield Park, Fareham (a further 15 properties are to be provided through this contract as a capital build). The PH element will be for a 25 year period.

These new houses will address a shortage of accommodation for officers in the Portsmouth area, where over 100 officers are currently being housed in short term rented accommodation.

The project is at a final tender stage and estimated prices cannot be released as they are commercially sensitive. I am therefore withholding the information under exemption 7a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.