§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many married quarters there are at RAF Benson; and how many of them are(a) under repair and (b) waiting repair; [50818]
(2) if he will make a statement on married quarters at RAF Benson; [50820]
(3) what representations he has received about relations between the Defence Housing Executive and RAF Benson. [50819]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 18 April 2002]: There are 599 family quarters at RAF Benson. Of the few that are vacant, two cannot be occupied until repairs are completed. One of the two will be converted for a special needs family.
Approximately 42 per cent. of the properties managed by the Defence Housing Executive (DHE) have repairs raised against them at any one time. These can embrace a wide range of jobs, from major refurbishment such as re-roofing, down to the replacement of a tap washer.
I have received no specific representations about the DHE from RAF Benson, but the DHE is aware of the need continuously to improve the service it provides to all service families. In the area in question, the DHE has changed the firm contracted to provide works service management.