Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has considered the potential merits of using timber to a) build new and b) repair old military homes.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Housing Strategy published on 3 November 2025, sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Department is in the early stages of the renovation programme.

As we look to apply modern methods of construction to sustain and renew the Service Family Accommodation estate, timber may be considered, where it is determined to be the most cost effective and sustainable solution. This approach will be underpinned by thorough planning and stringent quality control to ensure it effectively supports military capability.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has considered the potential merits of using timber materials in a) constructing and b) maintaining school buildings.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises that timber offers a solution as a renewable, low-carbon resource. It offers potential to reduce emissions and create jobs, as set out in the Timber in Construction Roadmap: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/timber-in-construction-roadmap-2025/timber-in-construction-roadmap-2025.

The department has piloted a number of projects which explore the use of timber in school construction, including three prototypes using UK timber.

Our construction specification requires that new buildings meet an embodied carbon requirement, and that designs use natural materials to create a healthy learning environment. These specifications encourage the use of timber and other natural materials to meet the needs of our low carbon future.

Timber is a commonly used material in maintaining school buildings. School responsible bodies must ensure that the correct materials are used for any works to maintain fire, safety and other critical requirements.

Found: Chris Kane (Labour; Stirling and Strathallan) Rupert Lowe (Restore Britain; Great Yarmouth) Catherine McKinnell

Found: Q270 Catherine McKinnell: Okay.

Found: Dorset) Chris Kane (Labour; Stirling and Strathallan) Rupert Lowe (Independent; Great Yarmouth) Catherine McKinnell

Found: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Chair); Mr Clive Betts; Rachel Gilmour; Sarah Green; Chris Kane; Catherine McKinnell