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Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which bases will be used in England over the next five years forthe Army Training Regiment; [193946](2) if he will make a statement on the future use of the army barracks at Whittington, Lichfield; [193947](3) what plans he has to sell land occupied by the Whittington barracks near Lichfield; [193944](4) whether he plans to move the Army Training Regiment for Lichfield. [193945]Mr. Caplin: The Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA) is currently conducting a study to evaluate the capacity requirements forPhase 1 soldier training and to determine the most long term economical use of the existing Phase 1 training real estate, whichincludes four Army Training Regiments (ATRs); ATR Bassingbourn, ATR Winchester, ATR Pirbright, ATR Lichfield and the Army FoundationCollege Harrogate. The study will identify and develop a range of options including the feasibility of closing one of the ATRs. Nodecisions have yet been reached as the study involves a detailed business case and economic appraisal to determine value for moneyin any restructuring of Phase 1 training. It is hoped to conclude the study early in 2005.Any site identified for possible closure would be assessed for alternative uses within the MOD. In the event that another user couldnot be identified, the site would be closed. The site that is recommended for closure would result in its recruits being reallocatedto the remaining three ATRs, with some expansion at the remaining sites to create greater efficiencies in training. |