§ Mr. BorrowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decision he has made on the implementation of the recommendations in the Army's storage rationalisation study. [38839]
§ Dr. ReidThe consultation process on the conclusions of the Army's storage rationalisation study, which recommended the closure of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency (ABSDA) sub-depots at Thatcham in Berkshire and Old Dalby in Leicestershire, has now ended. A number of representations were received from the trades unions, local councils, individual employees and hon. Members. Having considered these representations very carefully, I am satisfied that no issues have arisen which would call into question the study's recommendations. I intend, therefore, to proceed to implement these recommendations with the objective of ceasing operations at the sub-depot at Old Dalby by 1 April 1999 and that at Thatcham by 1 April 2000.