HC Deb 29 January 1985 vol 72 cc140-1
8. Mr. Bruce

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning Government proposals to transfer the training of Scottish junior soldiers to England.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. John Lee)

Representations have been received on this subject from Members of both Houses of Parliament, representatives of local authorities and from members of the public.

Mr. Bruce

Will the Minister acknowledge that he and his colleagues have totally failed to make a case for the proposed closure and that the only case they have made is that they will save £3.382 million? In the context of the defence budget, is that not a paltry sum to end 200 years of starting the training of junior infantry men within Scotland? Will he reverse the decision and continue to ensure that Scottish regiments' recruits for the infantry are trained within Scotland?

Mr. Lee

I know of the hon. Gentleman's interest in this matter, but the closure of Bridge of Don is part of an overall scheme which will reduce the number of establishments from 21 to 13 and save about 100 civilian jobs overall and £8 million worth of capital costs, and also substantial running costs. The decision has been taken and it is irrevocable.

Mr. Pollock

Does the Minister appreciate that these proposals continue to cause grave disquiet among many of my constituents, who remain deeply unhappy at the prospect of losing an important visible regimental link at Bridge of Don? Is it not a fact that the argument on unit costs could be transformed by a simple policy change whereby more junior training took place at Bridge of Don rather than elsewhere? Will he examine that option carefully before any final step is taken?

Mr. Lee

I understand my hon. Friend's concern, which he has expressed on a number of occasions in public and in private. We have looked at all the options. In 1983–84, 183 recruits went through Bridge of Don, whereas 785 went through the Shorncliff establishment in Kent, so there is really no comparison.