§ Ms OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will report on the outcome of the study to determine the best location for the new Joint Helicopter Command; and if he will make a statement. [125801]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Headquarters of the Joint Helicopter Command is based at Headquarters Land Command at Wilton in Wiltshire, and there are no current plans to move it. A team from the Joint Helicopter Command Headquarters is currently at the very early stages of conducting a strategic review to identify the most effective and efficient solution for the basing of Joint Helicopter Command units. The review consists of two phases—a scoping exercise (phase one) and full investment appraisal and review of the estate rationalisation candidates that arise out of the scoping exercise (phase two). Phase one is due to be completed next month, after which it should be possible to give further details of the sites under review. It is too early to say when the comprehensive investment appraisal that will comprise phase two will be completed.