§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the collocation of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency.
§ Mr. SoamesFollowing issue of a consultative document on 18 October 1994 recommending collocation of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency on a single site, representations were made by trade unions, a number of local authorities, Members of Parliament and an action group based at Colchester. Full and careful consideration was given to all of these representations and the criteria of the original investment appraisal has also been subject to close scrutiny and recalculation where additional relevant factors have been drawn to our attention. Following this work, I am satisfied that the basis of the original recommendation was sound and I have decided to proceed with the collocation of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency on part of the former RAF Bicester site at Caversfield, Bicester. This work will be undertaken in accordance with the phased programme published in the consultative document. We will of course continue to consult staff and trade unions about the detailed implementation of this programme.