Written question asked by Lynne Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 26 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 January 2006. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Medical Training to the Midlands

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the use of land owned by his Department reduces the cost to his Department of the Medical Training to the Midlands; whether the use of land owned by (a) another Government Department and (b) the private sector would alter the cost of the project; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Acquisition of non-Ministry of Defence (MOD) land always carries additional costs (legal, professional fees etc) as well as requiring an outlay of capital. There might also be disposal costs to be taken into account if the acquisition led to existing MOD land becoming surplus. It is for this reason that before considering such an acquisition to meet a new requirement, we always first look at the suitability of land and property already owned by the Department. This is consistent with the wider Government policy on asset management. We also need to ensure that our estate is no larger than is required for defence purposes and that it is efficiently used. If a privately-owned site were to offer specific advantages (for instance in terms of location, features or potential value for money) then an exception might be made, but this would be considered on a case by case basis.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 442 c511W;442 c511W; 47001
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Costs Land Higher education Medicine Ministry of Defence Training Midlands
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk