The Gorilla
I agree with most of what you say. I cannot deny it. However, the bit of the equation that you are missing is that a large chunk of the money paid by the Japanese was supposed to be returned to DHE to modernise all of the quarters. When Tony Bliar came to power the Treasury renaged on the deal and hey presto no modernisation for those of use that move on a regular basis. Apart from double glazing my quarter hasn't had anything done to it since the 50s.
Given that the south of England is desperate for accommodation for policemen, nurses, teachers and doctors, wouldn't it have been far more sensible to keep the family jewels and rent "excess" properties to these professions at military rental rates. That way the properties could have paid their way. Doctors, policemen etc could afford to live in the SE!! Still too late now, jewels sold, armed forces personnel forced to buy own properties, therefore less willing to move, therefore less flexibility?!?
Still at least the large secret airbase in Oxfordshire will be the first of the new (PFI) married quarter build to replace those MQs built, paid for by servicemans rent and sold off by Portaloo. And the taxpayer got a good deal!!!!!!!!!
