§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the closure of the TA base in Caernarfon was announced; and if he will make a statement on the consultation carried out prior to the decision. [82268]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 27 April 1999]The Territorial Army (TA) Centre in Caernarfon will remain open as the home of Company 3 Caernarfon Detachment, the Royal Welsh Regiment. This was announced on 17 November 1998. The plan was included,450W but not challenged, during the extensive rounds of consultation with the Army, TA and TAVRAs, held before decisions were taken in November.
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to encourage recruitment to the Territorial Army. [87876]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonTerritorial Army units continue to recruit locally to meet the overall target of some 10,000 recruits for this year. A national campaign to raise awareness of the TA and to attract recruits was run in February/March of this year involving the press, TV and a National Open Day. This was designed to show that the TA is maintaining its recruitment effort throughout the reform process. A further national campaign specifically aimed at recruiting into the Royal Army Medical Corps is planned for the autumn.