HL Deb 18 January 1993 vol 541 cc69-70WA
Lord Brabazon of Tara

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have for the rationalization of the Defence Research Agency.

Viscount Cranborne

The Defence Research Agency has proposed a major rationalization 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 rationalization of the DRA's sites and services has been agreed. This includes:

(a) Substantial DRA investment at:

  • Farnborough
  • Pyestock
  • Fort Halstead
  • Malvern
  • Bincleaves
  • Chertsey
  • Haslar
  • Portsdown West
  • West Drayton
  • Aquila
  • Rosyth (South Arm)
  • Winfrith

(b) DRA withdrawal from:

  • Alverstoke
  • Bedford Airfield (enclave retained)
  • Christchurch (enclave retained)
  • Cobham
  • Dunfermline (St. Leonards)
  • Empress State Building
  • Funtnigdton (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, copies of which have been placed in the House Library.

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