Sir John Moore Barracks (Winchester)

HC Deb 08 September 2003 vol 410 c52W

Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will make an announcement regarding the site at Sir John Moore Barracks in Winchester, and if he will make a statement. [127100]

Mr. Caplin

Sir John Moore Barracks at Winchester is currently the home of the Army Training Regiment, Winchester, part of the Initial Training Group, an Operating Division of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA). As part of its strategy to achieve a more flexible approach to Initial Training, ATRA is examining alternative entry routes into the Army, with relevant training to meet the Army's future needs. A number of options are under consideration at the present time, but no decision on the way forward is likely before about April of next year. Whatever the outcome, no changes to the role of Sir John Moore Barracks are envisaged for the foreseeable future.