HC Deb 20 October 2003 vol 411 cc376-7W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether the Ministry of Defence Police have jurisdiction over former Ministry of Defence dwellings and areas of the Colchester Garrison which have been sold by Annington Homes to private owners; [132813]

(2) whether the security of military personnel and dependants living in Ministry of Defence housing at the Colchester Garrison has been reviewed following the disposal of dwellings by Annington Homes; and if he will make a statement. [132812]

Mr. Caplin

The security situation in the Colchester estates that are now occupied by Service families housed by the Defence Housing Executive (DHE), owner-occupiers and civilian housing association tenants, is unchanged since I replied to the hon. Member's question on this matter on 18 June 2003,Official Report, column 246. The regular routine patrols continue and there has been no increase in crime since DHE's releases of surplus property and the lease of properties by AHL to Colne Housing Association.

Any incidents arising in the DHE patch are the responsibility of Ministry of Defence Police (MDP); the Essex police cover the non-DHE areas, and the two police forces assist each other when required. The Royal Military Police also patrol the estate. Overall these arrangements imply a greater police presence and better response times than anywhere else in Colchester.

75 per cent. of the DHE properties have the recommended level of door furniture security; the remainder have chains and spy holes but, in some cases, only 3-lever locks. These will be replaced with 5-lever locks in this financial year.

Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether he has been consulted by Annington Homes over(a) the disposal of former Ministry of Defence dwellings at the Colchester Garrison and (b) proposals by Annington Homes for the development of private housing on the site; [132814]

(2) what discussions he has had with Annington Homes on proposals to demolish former Ministry of Defence housing at the Colchester Garrison and build private housing. [132811]

Mr. Caplin

Annington Homes Ltd (AHL) have not consulted the Ministry of Defence over the disposal of former MOD dwellings at Colchester Garrison or their proposals for the development of private housing on the site. Under the terms of the 1996 Sale Agreement it is entirely a matter for AHL how they dispose of the houses for which MOD has no future requirement and has handed back, or how they choose to redevelop a surplus site.