HC Deb 28 October 2003 vol 412 cc159-60W
Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many units within his Department's married quarters estate will be upgraded in each of the next five years. [133372]

Mr. Caplin

For financial year 2003–04,1 refer the hon. Member to my Written Ministerial Statement on 2 JulyOfficial Report, columns 18-19WS. Planned targets for financial years 2004–05, 2006–06 and 2006–07 were published in this year's Ministry of Defence Departmental Plan. Copies are available in the Library of the House. No target has yet been identified for financial year 2007–08, but will emerge from the decisions made in the MOD's Short Term Planning process.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was in each of the last five years of upgrading properties in his Department's married quarters estate; and what the planned expenditure is for this financial year. [133376]

Mr. Caplin

The cost of upgrading Service Family Accommodation to Standard 1 for condition in mainland United Kingdom in each of the past five financial years was

Year £ million
1998–99 2.14
1999–2000 48
2000–01 56.7
2002–02 78.0
2003–03 52.7
Total 256.8

For the current Financial Year the estimated outturn on upgrade projects is £40.4 million.

These figures include capital projects where new properties replace demolished properties. The cost of new build stock provided through PFI projects is not included.

In addition to the above, a number of properties benefited from improvements and partial upgrades through property management contracts.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he estimates his Department's upgrade programme for the married quarters estate will be completed by November 2005; how many units are part of this upgrade programme; how many units have been upgraded so far; and if he will make a statement. [133379]

Mr. Caplin

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 13 May 2003,Official Report, column 153W, by my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie).

Over 8,800 properties have been upgraded to Standard 1, the highest standard, since 1999 and over 90 per cent. of Service families now live in properties at either Standard 1 or 2.