Royal Naval School of Music, Deal

HC Deb 09 June 1978 vol 951 cc292-3W

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Royal Naval School of Music, Deal.

Mr. Duffy

In October last year I announced that, subject to the usual consultations with other Government Departments, the staff side and the trade unions, it was our intention to move the Royal Marines School of Music from the Royal Marines Depot at Deal to Eastney Barracks in Portsmouth. The consultation process has been completed and I have written to the hon. and learned Member for Dover and Deal (Mr. Rees) to confirm that the school will be transferred, probably in 1981.

It is particularly gratifying that the transfer of the school will not result in the closure of the depot at Deal. The long association between the Royal Marines and the town will be maintained by the presence of 41 Commando Royal Marines.