HC Deb 02 April 2001 vol 366 cc23-4W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the training of crews for armoured vehicles takes place; which locations will close as a result of training being put out to contract; and if he will make a statement. [155803]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 27 March 2001]Individual training for crew members of armoured vehicles takes place within armoured unit locations in the UK and Germany and at the Armour Centre, Bovington. The proposal to introduce a partnering arrangement for the delivery of such training will not result in the closure of any existing locations.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people will be made redundant as a result of training for crews of armoured vehicles being put out to contract; and if he will make a statement. [155804]

Dr. Moonie

[holding answer 27 March 2001]The proposals from the three consortiums bidding for the partnering arrangement to deliver individual training for crew members of armoured vehicles will not be received until the end of May but are not expected to result in significant redundancies. Trades Unions have been consulted over the PFI and civil servants involved will have the option to transfer to the selected Partner under TUPE—Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1998—arrangements or will be redeployed within the Department.