§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government.
What is the cost of building new barracks in the United Kingdom; and whether it would help the 27WA Ministry of Defence budgetary problems if units remained in British Forces Germany. [HL3340]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe cost of building any new barracks will depend on a number of factors, including the location, existing infrastructure and the role of the unit. The cost of a typical barracks for a light-roled infantry battalion is between £40 million and £60 million.
The Strategic Defence Review made clear that the forward basing of ground forces in Germany would remain a key aspect of British defence policy. But, in order to create a better balance between 1 (UK) Armoured Division stationed in Germany and 3 (UK) Division based in the United Kingdom, it was decided to withdraw around 2,500 troops from Germany.
The Comprehensive Spending Review settlement, announced on 18 July by my right honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in another place, provides what the Ministry of Defence needs to take forward implementation of these restructuring plans set out under the SDR to meet the challenges of the modern world, taking account of operational lessons learned and other priorities which have emerged since the SDR was announced in 1998.