§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Territorial Army have served with regular army forces overseas in each of the last five years; and in which countries. [23667]
§ Dr. MoonieThe numbers of Territorial Army personnel that have served with regular army forces overseas in each of the last five years are shown in the table.
342W
1997 1998 1999 2000 12001 Bosnia 640 609 489 129 210 Kosovo 0 0 290 291 289 Sierra Leone 0 0 0 0 51 Macedonia 0 0 0 0 9 Total 640 609 779 420 559 1To date
§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has had, and with whom, concerning the location of the headquarters of the Territorial Army in Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [23201]
(2) if he has had discussions with (a) the Scottish Executive and (b) Scottish local authorities on the siting of TA Brigade headquarters in Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [23203]
(3) which local authorities in Scotland have been consulted regarding the location of TA brigade headquarters in Scotland; [23204]
(4) what discussions he has had regarding the amalgamation of 51 and 52 Brigade of the Territorial Army in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [23202]
§ Mr. IngramThe roles and responsibilities of the regional brigade structure in Scotland have been studied extensively by the Ministry of Defence as part of a wider examination of our force structure. This work has now concluded and I am pleased to announce that 52 (Lowland) Brigade will re-role to become a light infantry brigade, retaining command of the light role battalions in Redford Barracks and Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh and assuming command of those based at Preston and Chester. It will also retain responsibility for public duties. The Brigade will be known as 52 Infantry Brigade and the HQ will continue to be based at Edinburgh Castle. In parallel, 51 (Highland) Brigade will become the Scottish Regional Brigade assuming the infrastructure responsibilities of both 51 and 52 Brigades. The Brigade will be known as 51 (Scottish) Brigade and will be based at Forthside in Stirling.
These changes support the Strategy for the Army, are wholly consistent with the conclusions of the Strategic Defence Review and will enhance our military capability.
There have been no discussion about these plans outside my Department but I have written to the First Minister for the Scottish Parliament to advise him of these changes.