§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future use of the Prince of Wales depot at Cwrt-y-Gollen, Crickhowell.
§ Mr. HeseltineWe announced last year, following a detailed examination of the junior recruit training, reductions in the size of the junior training organisation. As part of this process the two smallest training barracks, at Bridge of Don and Cwrt-y-Gollen, were earmarked for possible closure. Since then we have examined the possible alternative uses for these two barracks, and I am pleased to announce that we have decided to retain the Cwrt-y-Gollen barracks as a training camp, thereby enabling the majority of the less satisfactory facilities at Monmouth to be given up. In addition, the barracks will provide a Territorial Army centre for a hospital detachment thus saving the cost of having to build elsewhere.
This decision means that the maximum military use will be make of this facility while at the same time ensuring that the manpower and financial savings arising out of the rationalisation of junior training will still be achieved.
An announcement on the future use of the Gordon Barracks, Bridge of Don is also being made today.