Nearly £2 million was spent by the Ministry of Defence on resurfacing tennis courts and building all-weather sports pitches instead of repairing leaking barracks’ roofs.

The Commons Public Accounts Committee revealed that in 2006-07, £13.5 million that was earmarked for maintenance work on poor-quality Service accommodation was deferred as part of MoD budget cuts. But “at least £1.6 million” was put aside “for the refurbishment of sports facilities”.

Edward Leigh, chairman of the committee of MPs, said: “In response to funding cuts, the MoD put off essential maintenance work, but still found cash to build all-weather sports pitches and spruce up tennis courts.” He added: “Nobody is saying it is inappropriate to offer leisure facilities on site, but the department [the MoD] has to get its priorities straight. Let’s mend the leaking roofs first, then worry about the tennis courts.”

Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence, chief executive of Defence Estates and husband of the Princess Royal, admitted: “With the benefit of hindsight, we might look back at one or two of those decisions and think that they look questionable, but at the time it was what the customers wanted.” A plan to use a former RAF base as an immigration detention centre has been abandoned because the accommodation is too poor, defence sources have told The Times. RAF Coltishall in Norfolk was closed in December and handed over to the Home Office.

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