HC Deb 01 April 2004 vol 419 c1608W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recent personnel changes at Mahon Road army base in Portadown, Northern Ireland. [164940]

Mr. Ingram

There are currently proposals for a reorganisation of Army brigade headquarters in Northern Ireland with a change from three to two operational brigade headquarters. Such a move is a natural progression after he Police Service for Northern Ireland changed from three to two regions last year and would provide a more effective and efficient command structure. This proposal is currently the subject of consultation with the Trade Unions and other interested parties.

If we proceed with this proposal it will mean the disbandment of Headquarters 3 Infantry Brigade which is currently situated in Mahon Road Barracks. Such a re-organisation will not reduce the current level of support which the armed forces provide to the PSNI, indeed the aim is to provide this support more efficiently. Neither will it result in any significant reduction in the number of soldiers or units deployed to Northern Ireland.