Defence Research Agency (Hansard, 11 January 1993)

§ Mr. Aitken

[pursuant to his answer, 17 December 1992, c. 361]: As I informed the House on 27 October, Official Report, column 851, the Defence Research Agency has proposed a major rationalisation programme with a view to saving £90 million per annum in its running costs and releasing substantial areas of land for other uses. The DRA's support costs are disproportionately high and must be reduced to preserve the research capabilities we need to support smaller, better equipped armed forces. Following consultations with trade unions, a programme for rationalisation of the DRA's sites and services has been agreed. This includes:

a. Substantial DRA investment at:

Farnborough
Pyestock
Fort Halstead
Malvern
Bincleavcs
Chertscy
Haslar
Portsdown West
West Drayton
Aquila
Rosyth (South Arm)
Winfrith

b. DRA withdrawal from:

Alverstoke
Bedford Airfield (enclave retained)
Christchurch (enclave retained)
obham
Dunfermline (St. Leonards)
Empress State Building
Funtingdton (South)
Holton Heath
Horsea Island
Portland (North and Southwell)
Portsdown (Main)
Royal Arsenal Woolwich (East and West)
Slough
Swynnerton
Teddington

The planned dates for site closures and DRA withdrawal remain as set out in the DRA consultative document.

The Government are committed to developing the DRA as a centre of scientific excellence offering value for money. Rationalisation will involve a major upheaval but is essential to secure the DRA's future. Implementation of the programme will start immediately.