HC Deb 23 April 2002 vol 384 cc193-4W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with representatives of the armed forces regarding the removal of the traditional sentry duty of Edinburgh castle. [51271]

Mr. Ingram

Such decisions are quite rightly a matter for the local army commander. In this case, the decision to withdraw the traditional sentries from continuous duty at Edinburgh castle between April and September was taken by the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Division, after due consideration. The hon. Member should note however that castle guard will continue to be mounted during state ceremonial occasions during the summer months.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations the Government have received regarding the decision to remove the traditional sentry duty of Edinburgh castle. [51274]

Mr. Ingram

The General Officer Commanding 2nd Division has received a number of letters and pre-printed coupons, cut from an Edinburgh evening newspaper, seeking reinstatement of the sentries. He has also received a letter from Sarah Boyack, a Member of the Scottish Parliament. I too have received a copy of Ms Boyack's letter and I will be replying to her shortly.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the costs associated with the traditional sentry duty of Edinburgh castle were in the last 12 months. [51272]

Mr. Ingram

The direct costs of mounting the sentries at Edinburgh castle are in the order of £84,000 each year. The indirect cost is the fact that the soldiers concerned are not available for military training or other duties. These costs cannot be readily quantified.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment the Government have made of the impact the traditional sentry duty of Edinburgh castle has on(a) morale of army soldiers and (b) army resources. [51273]

Mr. Ingram

Soldiers acting as sentries at Edinburgh castle are aware that they have no guarding or security role, and this is not conducive to good morale. In terms of resourcing, providing these sentries throughout the summer months is a heavy drain upon the single battalion which is available for public duties in Scotland and, as such, represents an inappropriate use of highly trained military manpower.