Pictures of poor living conditions were sent to BBC News by soldiers

The money will fund 1,350 new en-suite bed spaces in the second stage of a �1.4bn military accommodation project.

The Single Living Accommodation Modernisation (Slam) initiative aims to create or improve 50,000 single living bed places by 2013.

In January, BBC News received photos of barracks and shower blocks with cracked walls, mildew and broken pipes.

Welfare package

It prompted the Army's personnel chief, the adjutant-general Lt Gen Freddie Viggers, to promise to fight for better housing for soldiers and their families.

Mr Browne, in Bournemouth for the Labour conference, visited Bovington Armour Centre, Dorset, where 300 bed spaces have been created since 2005.

He said: "The nation owes our servicemen and women a huge debt of gratitude for the hard work they do on our behalf.

"A crucial part of this is the welfare package we give our personnel and central to this is providing good quality accommodation."

'Excellent opportunity'

Mr Browne added: "I know we have a long way to go with some of our accommodation, but I'm determined to see improvements across the board."

"This new money offers an excellent opportunity to make a real difference to our servicemen and women and underlines the priority we place on this issue."

The improved living conditions are hoped to help recruit and retain service personnel.

A National Audit Office report in March said a significant number of personnel could be living in poor quality accommodation for the next 20 years or more.