§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of the Ministry of Defence site at Hermitage, Berkshire. [126376]
§ Mr. CaplinThe Ministry of Defence is undertaking a study to examine the operational benefits of reducing the Defence Geographic and Imagery Intelligence Agency (DGIA) estate from three principal sites to two. One of the Business Units of DGIA is the Geographic Engineer Group (GEG), which is located at Hermitage, near Newbury in Berkshire. Initially, the study will consider the operational benefits of moving the GEG from Hermitage to RAF Brampton, Cambridgeshire, where it would be co-located with another DGIA Business Unit, the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC). If it is concluded that there are operational benefits, the feasibility of undertaking co-location will be assessed in the second phase of the study. The study is expected to be completed by the end of February 2004.
The MOD regularly conducts such studies, with a view to improving operational effectiveness and value for money. There will be full consultation with all people potentially affected by the outcome of the study. No decisions on a move have been made and options for the use of the Hermitage site, should the current occupants move, have not yet been considered.