§ Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of the future plans for RRE Pershore in order that employees may now, if necessary, seek alternative employment.
§ Dr. GilbertIn full consultation with representatives of the staff concerned the plan for RRE—now RSRE—Pershore outlined in the 1973 Defence White Paper, Cmnd 5231, has now largely been implemented. Flying activities have been transferred to RAE, Bedford, and the airfield has been closed. It is, however, planned to continue to use other facilities at Pershore for trials associated with the work of RSRE, Malvern. Following the transfer of many of the staff to RSRE Malvern and to RAE Bedford, the number of permanent staff at Pershore will be reduced to about seven non-industrials and 49 industrials. Notice of redundancy has been given to three non-industrials and 107 industrials, and everything possible has been done to find suitable alternative employment for them at Malvern, in other Government Departments in the area or in local industry.