§ Maria EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of TAVRAs in providing the TA with value for money in property management and utility provision; [56832]
(2) what steps he will take to retain the Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations in the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. [56833]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonAn appraisal of the supply services provided to the Reserve Forces by the Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Associations (TAVRAs) was undertaken as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The Review made clear that the Department recognised and valued the support of the TAVRAs. We consider the Associations are an essential part of the management of the Reserves and Cadets, and attach great importance to their contribution in a wide range of activities.
The Strategic Defence Review therefore concluded that the TAVRAs should continue in the future. The Review concluded that there should be some changes to the boundaries of the regions for which Associations are responsible, and to their funding arrangements, to reflect the closer integration between Army Regulars and Reservists. The Associations are closely involved in the development of these proposals.