HC Deb 25 March 2002 vol 382 cc554-5W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the system is of upkeep for empty MOD housing; and if he will make a statement. [44968]

Dr. Moonie

Empty Ministry of Defence housing is maintained under the same contractual arrangements which MOD, through the Defence Housing Executive (DHE), employs to maintain all its housing stock in mainland United Kingdom. A contracted Works Services Manager provides a response repair service and, working with the DHE Property Manager, undertakes a programme of regular planned maintenance which is fulfilled according to available funds. A temporarily empty property required for service family occupation in the longer term would normally have priority over a property intended for disposal.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the fraud detection system for MoD housing; and if he will make a statement. [45439]

Dr. Moonie

The effectiveness of fraud detection, in the context of Ministry of Defence housing and related works, is kept under constant review. Line management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate procedures are followed and controls operated effectively. In addition, there is a rolling programme of compliance and risk based audits carried out independently of line management. Consultants are also employed to carry out additional audits of property management and to undertake initial investigations of suspected fraud or impropriety. Furthermore, the central Defence Finance Audit Unit is notified of all suspected cases of fraud and they may then call in the MOD Police.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much money was spent on(a) single living accommodation and (b) married quarters in each year between 1992 and 1997; and if he will make a statement; [45441]

(2) how many complaints were made about (a) single living accommodation and (b) married quarters in each year between 1992 and 1997; and if he will make a statement. [45433]

Dr. Moonie

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.