Written question asked by Chris Huhne (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 5 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 March 2010. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 April 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Training

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect of the planned closure of the research and assessment facility at the Defence Academy; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Defence Academy Research and Assessment Branch undertook broad non-technical research in an evolving range of geo-strategic studies and cross-cutting global issues which centred around Statecraft and Governance. The Academy is currently assessing how non-technical research capability can still be delivered by reviewing the arrangements that it has in place with its academic providers Cranfield University and Kings College London to optimise the Academy's research in a manner which supports its primary activity (to enhance Defence capability by providing high quality, relevant, progressive training and education underpinned by research to the four services) as well as contributing to the MOD's broader research effort.The Academy is also looking at closer integration with activity sponsored or conducted by the Directors Defence Studies, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Defence Concept and Doctrine Centre in order to mitigate any loss of capability through the closure of the research and assessment branch.

Secondary information