§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to establish an overall strategy for dealing with the restructuring process arising from the defence costs study; and if he will make it his policy to take into account the social and economic impact on the communities involved;
(2) what mechanisms are in place for the restructuring of military establishments and the use of redundant assets: and what assessment he has made of the work done to date.
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§ Mr. AitkenThe defence costs study is examining all aspects of support to the front line. One aim of the study is to develop proposals for change that will ensure that assets employed in defence support areas are not under-utilised.
It is too early to speculate about the outcome of this work, but all relevant factors will be taken into account.