Army Vehicle Depot (Hansard, 7 November 1996)

§ Mr. Soames

These are matters for the chief executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Brigadier K. J. W. Goad to Mr. Paul Murphy, dated 7 November 1996: I am replying to the recent questions you tabled to the Secretary of State for Defence as these matters fall within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Army Base Supply and Distribution Agency. For ease of reply I have combined my comments to your questions, in the order you posed them, within this one letter. First, you asked about the use being made of the PFI in the development of the new Army vehicle deport at Ashchurch. The Base Vehicle Depot (BVD) at Ashchurch has been an Army depot since 1939. As part of the Defence Cost Studies, Army vehicle storage is being rationalised on a single site at Ashchurch. The operation of the vehicle storage facility at Ashchurch is currently being subject to competition with Industry under the CFQ initiative. The necessary refurbishment of the site will be subjected to PFI. Secondly, you asked about the cost of the move of the Army vehicle deport to Ashchurch. A recent review of the Investment Appraisal which supported the move from two vehicle depots to one confirmed significant savings in public expenditure. The cost to date of moving the vehicles previously stored at BVD Ludgershall to Ashchurch, which included ancillary equipment, is approximately £200,000. Twenty one vehicles only await transportation at BVD Ludgershall which will incur minimal additional cost. Thirdly, you asked what technical facilities and specialist management are available at the Army Vehicle Depot at Ashchurch to deal with vehicles previously maintained at Ludgershall. The specific facilities for 'A' vehicles to be offered by Vehicle Depot Ashchurch are as follows:

(a) A fuelling and de-fuelling facility.
(b) Wash down facility.
(c) Anti freeze facility.
(d) Overhead servicing facilities and associated oils and lubricants dispensing/collection systems.
(e) Appropriate security systems.

Two senior managers at Ashchurch already have extensive armoured vehicle experience. The remaining civilian managers have familiarised themselves with armoured vehicles over the past year and this training continues. Additionally the military staff in two vehicle troops at Ashchurch have a high degree of 'A' vehicle experience. Fourthly, you asked when the Base Vehicle Depot at Ludgershall will close. Following a review of the Investment Appraisal which formed the basis for the decision, Minister (AF) announced that the Base Vehicle Depot at Ludgershall will close by the end of March 1997. 664W Fifthly, you asked about plans to prevent traffic disruption as a result of the movement of Army vehicles from Ashchurch to Salisbury Plain for training purposes. There will be no significant increase in numbers of vehicles travelling from Ashchurch to Salisbury Plain for training when BVD Ludgershall closes. Few vehicles are ever issued on loan simply for training. Vehicles are usually issued to Army units. 'A' vehicles issued to units in the north of the UK will no longer transit the route from Salisbury Plain, thus reducing such vehicle movements and the potential for traffic disruption. Other classes of vehicles issued to units within the Salisbury Plain, thus reducing such vehicle movements and the potential for traffic disruption. Other classes of vehicles issued to units within the Salisbury Plain area have, for many years, been despatched from Ashchurch; this will not change. Sixthly, you asked how many civilian technicians qualified to maintain the armaments of armoured vehicles are employed in the Army vehicle depot at Ashchurch. The one qualified Gun Fitter at Ludgershall did not wish to move to Ashchurch. The recruitment of suitable qualified civilian technical staff at Ashchurch is ongoing. Finally, you asked how many employees have agreed to move from the Army vehicle depot at Ludgershall to Ashchurch. One civilian craftsman from the workshop at Ludgershall has moved to Ashchurch. I hope that I have answered your questions fully. Agreed by and signed on behalf of CE ABSDA in his absence on duty.