§ Ms SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the average annual cost of paying and accommodating 20,000 armed forces personnel and their families. [121804]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 16 May 2000]: The average annual cost of paying and accommodating 20,000 armed forces personnel and their families is £562 million. In calculating this figure, it has only been possible to take account of Pay, Employer's-Related National Insurance Contributions and Pensions contributions. Any calculation of overheads such as rents, rates, utilities costs, food, office equipment and services could be provided only at disproportionate cost.