§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if a decision has been taken on the proposal to relocate 182 Ministry of Defence headquarters' posts from the royal naval stores depot at Eaglescliffe in Cleveland.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonMy Department has consulted very thoroughly on the proposal to colocate 182 headquarters posts currently at Eaglescliffe with the integrated headquarters of the new Naval Support Command in the Bath region. During the course of the consultation process I visited the establishment to see the facilities there and to hear the views of management, staff794W and trade unions. I have studied very carefully' the helpful comments and views expressed by them, hon. Members and others. I have concluded that the proposal to move these posts in 1995–96, which is expected to produce net savings around £12 million over 10 years, represents the best value for money for the taxpayer as well as producing real operational benefits. Discussions will now take place with the trades unions on implementation of the moves in 1995–96. The royal naval stores depot itself will not be affected.