(2) how much was collected in laundry charges from soldiers participating in training exercises at Westdown Camp, Salisbury Plain in 2006-07; and what the cost to each soldier is for the use of (a) washing and (b) drying facilities;
(3) if he will make it his policy to end charging for the use of laundry facilities for soldiers participating in training exercises at Westdown Camp, Salisbury Plain; and if he will make a statement;
(4) whether it is a requirement that soldiers (a) participating in training exercises and (b) on active deployment should maintain their clothing in clean and hygienic condition, where facilities are available; and if he will make a statement.
When on training exercises at Westdown Camp (or any other training location), units have the option, during pre-exercise planning, to request that laundry facilities be secured via established contractual arrangements from service providers within the local area. Such services are publicly funded and therefore free of charge to the soldier. It is a matter for Units to decide whether or not to take advantage of these arrangements, they may either utilise the facilities available at Westdown Camp or they may hand-wash and dry their laundry themselves.
The facilities at Westdown Camp are self-operated facilities provided under contract for the convenience of soldiers. During the period January 2006 to June 2007 the income to the contractor arising from the use of the washing/drying machines at Westdown Camp was approximately £7,500. A further £1,500 was taken in commission by the Defence Training Estate Strategic Partner LANDMARC Support Services (LSS). Under established revenue sharing arrangements 70 per cent. of this total (£1,050) was reinvested back into the maintenance of the training estate. The cost to each soldier to use these facilities is £2.00 for washing and £1.00 for drying.
Soldiers are responsible for maintaining their own personal hygiene, and this is instilled through effective training, leadership, education and example setting, particularly by Commanders. Personal hygiene is covered in soldiers Phase One training and reinforced annually through Military Annual Training Test 6 (Values and Standards). It is also covered in all pre-operational and exercise deployment health and hygiene presentations delivered by service environmental health staffs.