HC Deb 14 February 2000 vol 344 cc372-3W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of cost-efficiency comparisons between conventional build and PFI contracts for the planned junior ratings accommodation in HMS Nelson [109475]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 10 February 2000]: I have not yet received advice on any rebuild of junior ratings single living accommodation in HMS Nelson.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of the standard of accommodation provided for junior ratings and other ranks in Her Majesty's Royal Naval Shore Establishments in the retention of these personnel in the Royal Navy. [109473]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 10 February 2000]: We are conscious that dissatisfaction with living accommodation may have an effect on retention and so we have in place a programme of improvements to single living accommodation for all service personnel, including naval ratings.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the condition and fitness for purpose of accommodation provided for junior ratings in each of Her Majesty's Royal Naval Shore Establishments. [109500]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 10 February 2000]: The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the Armed Forces' single living accommodation estate should be improved. As a result, all junior naval ratings single living accommodation has been assessed against a common standard in order to determine what improvements are needed and in what order of priority the improvements should be addressed.

Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when a new accommodation project for junior ratings at HMS Nelson was first approved; and when contracts for construction, operation and maintenance will be let. [109476]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 10 February 2000]The junior ratings single living accommodation forms part of the establishment of HMS Nelson, which incorporates a number of wider functions as a Fleet Accommodation Centre. My Department is currently undertaking a study into the means of delivery of a number of functions in HMS Nelson, including the junior ratings accommodation. The further prospect of a wider PFI within the Naval Base as a whole is also a consideration. I have yet to receive advice on this work and no decisions have been taken.