§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland's operational headquarters based at the Maritime Headquarters, Pitreavie.
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§ Mr. FreemanA consultative document was issued on 21 October 1994 setting out proposals to transfer the operational headquarters of Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland from Pitreavie to Faslane. Having given careful consideration to all the views expressed on these proposals during the consultation period, I have decided to proceed with the relocation of FOSNNI's operational headquarters to Faslane by April 1996. This measure will save some £22 million over the next 10 years. Of the service and civilian posts affected some 70 service and 52 civilian posts will no longer be required. We will continue to consult with staff and the trade unions about the detailed implementation of the measure and its implications. The832W move of FOSNNI's operational headquarters will entail the closure of the maritime headquarters at Pitreavie which is expected to become surplus to defence requirements. My officials have been in close contact with the Scottish Office and Fife Enterprise concerning the future development of the site, and I am pleased to be able to announce that the opportunity has arisen for MOD to make available to Fife Enterprise a 5.5 acre site to the south of the Pitreavie estate that is needed by the BSkyB company in connection with its inward investment project on an adjacent site. This area can be released in advance of the remainder of the Pitreavie site which will also be sold to Fife Enterprise, at open market rates, when MOD finally withdraws from Pitreavie in 1996.