HC Deb 14 March 2000 vol 346 c109W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in the current year's Defence Housing Executive upgrade programme(a) what percentage of contractors underbid significantly, (b) if he will list the contractors who (i) underbid and (ii) were subsequently dismissed and (c) by what percentage retendered prices were higher than the original bids. [113751]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: The Defence Housing Executive is not aware of any contractors who have significantly underbid for contracts in the current year's upgrade programme. There have, however, been instances of such problems relating to sub-contractors for response repair work in some locations. I am obtaining data on these and will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the reduction in this year's Defence Housing Executive budget for upgrades will be restored in the next financial year. [113753]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: Budget allocations for the coming financial year have yet to be decided, but it is the intention to achieve or better the target date for completion of the upgrade programme by the end of 2005.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the review of the Defence Housing Executive prepared jointly by his Department and the Treasury. [113755]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: A joint Treasury/MOD review of Service housing has recently completed and the report is in the final course of drafting. My Ministerial colleagues in the Treasury and I have not yet had an opportunity to consider its recommendations. There are no plans to publish what is an internal document. However, I would expect the outcome of the review to be announced in due course.