§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to rationalise Army vehicle storage facilities; and if he will make a statement. [15645]
§ Mr. SoamesFollowing the "Front Line First" announcement on 14 July 1994, proposals to rationalise Army vehicle storage facilities were outlined in a consultative document issued on 19 August 1994. Some 50 responses were received from trade unions, local authorities and other interested parties, all of which have been considered with care and sympathy. Understandable local concerns were expressed about the effects on employment and the local community but no significant new defence-related arguments emerged, nor have any new suggestions been made which have caused us to alter our original proposals for the rationalisation of vehicle storage.
Having carefully considered all the points raised, I can therefore confirm that we shall now begin work on rationalising vehicle storage, concentrating on a single site at Ashchurch; the vehicle depot at Ludgershall will be closed for operation by 31 March 1997. I am confident that this change can be achieved without detriment to operational capability.
Royal Navy Army Royal Air Force Civilian Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female 1990–91 146 43 406 27 1,019 186 — — 1991–92 152 35 389 25 987 158 — — 1992–93 80 15 362 23 659 126 — — 1993–94 148 40 303 27 974 178 — — 1994–95 134 33 291 43 740 166 570 90 Notes:
Figures for the Royal Air Force are for applications for bursaries and cadetships. It is not possible to provide separate figures.
116WWe will continue to consult with staff and the trade unions about the detailed implementation of this rationalisation.