Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 February 2007. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 1 March 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Bases: Stafford

Question: (2) what plans he has for locating additional military units at the military base in Stafford;

Answer: 42 per cent. of the stocks from the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency facility at Stafford have been transferred to other Defence Storage and Distribution Agency sites. The remainder of the transfer is on target and programmed to complete by the end of September 2007.In terms of alternative uses for the storage and distribution facilities at Stafford and plans to locate additional military units at the military base, a study team is currently assessing a number of site options, including the defence site at Stafford, as potential bases for certain units who may return from Germany to the UK. Decisions are not expected before summer 2007. There is an additional aspiration to create, in the longer term, a West Midlands Super Garrison, of which Stafford may be a part. Work is ongoing to develop the Super Garrison plan.The new Signals Regiment (22 Signal Regiment) is now 80 per cent. in situ in Stafford. The final aspects of establishing the regiment are progressing on time with Full Operating Capability expected in December 2007.

Secondary information