§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he gave to making an oral statement on the decision to close Rosyth naval base; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Government's proposals in relation to Rosyth naval base were set out fully in the "Font Line First" publication issued on 14 July, a copy of which was placed in the library of the House, and in the consultative document issued on that day. Full consultation ensued, including with the hon. Member and with other interested parties.
The written answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Sutton (Mr. Streeter) on 8 December, Official Report, column 305 was to confirm a previous proposal and an oral statement was therefore not appropriate.