§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many refurbishment programmes undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and its agencies are over-running; what extra costs have been incurred by these over-runs; and how many of these programmes involve outside contractors. [121251]
§ Mr. IngramGiven the size of the Defence estate and the number of buildings and other facilities on it, it is difficult to define what constitutes "refurbishment". Work on buildings can range from minor modifications and maintenance, to the complete restoration of listed buildings, and the maintenance of machinery such as lifts. While information on individual contracts is available, it is currently not held centrally or on a consistent basis could be provided only at disproportionate cost.