Mr. Anthony D. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long term location of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Regiment currently based at RAF Honington. [123004]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Regiment, which was established as a joint initiative in April 1999, following recommendations arising from the Strategic Defence Review, will be permanently based at RAF Honington.
The Regiment was established at RAF Honington as a successful joint initiative in April last year, following the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, and was fully operational by December. The Regiment's operational capability will comprise nuclear, biological and chemical detection, reconnaissance and survey and will combine these aspects with expertise in decontamination techniques. This is a critical enabling capability—and the Regiment will be invaluable in reducing the risk to our armed forces who deploy in dangerous areas like the Gulf.