§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the total costs of setting up HQ Royal Marines at Whale Island, Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement. [155799]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 27 March 2001]HQ Royal Marines was the result of an amalgamation and rationalisation of three former Royal Marines Headquarters organisations: the Department of Commandant General Royal Marines from London, the Headquarters Commando Forces from Plymouth and the Headquarters Training and Reserve Forces from Poole. The total cost of setting up the HQ, including the interim relocation to HMS Vernon, is not readily identifiable and could be produced only at disproportionate cost. However, the capital cost of the build at Whale island, including VAT and fees, was some £4.5 million.