§ Mr. TyrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme began; [127249]
(2) what the earliest date is on which decisions on the Defence Training Review can result in the implementation of a major relocation of service police; 127236]
(3) when the first major relocation from the Defence Training Review Rationalisation programme will be completed. [127250]
§ Mr. IngramThe intention to review defence education and individual training was announced by my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Robertson, the then Defence Secretary on 22 July 1999,Official Report, columns 614–15W, and the outcome of that review which included the recommendation for the rationalisation programme was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 27 March 2001, Official Report, columns 547–48W.
The Ministry of Defence is currently engaging with industry to determine the most appropriate and cost effective locations for the Defence Training Establishments within the rationalisation programme. The earliest that any decisions on the locations of training units will be made is December 2004. It is anticipated that contracts with the successful bidders will be signed in 2005 and any relocations will take place after that date. Opportunities for early implementation will however be kept under review.