Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Monday, 18 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 February 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 1 February 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if it is his policy to provide single accommodation for all single service personnel. - Includes ref to Strategic Defence Review and White Paper 'A Policy for People'. (Holding answer 21 January 1999).

Answer: Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his policy to provide single accommodation for all single service personnel. [66745] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 21 January 1999]: When we published the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review the supporting White Paper entitled "A Policy for People" stated that: "In future, new single accommodation will be built so that, in most instances, individuals of all ranks will be provided with a single room. There are plans in place now to raise the standard of some existing single living accommodation, and we have initiated a survey of all single living accommodation to inform our longer term aspiration to improve the whole estate." The Chief Executive of the Defence Estate Organisation is leading a study of the optimum approach to our single living accommodation improvement programme, which should report later this year. Our plans recognise the diverse needs and circumstances of our Service men and women and whilst we aspire to single rooms for the majority, team-based accommodation may be more appropriate for some.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 66745; 324 c448W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Armed forces Housing Staff Single people Defence Review Defence Estate Organisation