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DM Beith

Answer

The Ministry of Defence will continue to require the maintenance, storage and distribution functions at Defence Munitions Beith in the near to medium term, but is continuing to assess possible options for the depot in the longer term. The future ownership of Beith will depend on the outcome of this work, which is taking into account our strategic requirement, value for money, and the linkage with associated industrial strategies, including the team complex weapons initiative. No decisions have yet been taken. The trade unions will be consulted formally at the appropriate time.There are currently no plans to re-instate the apprentice training scheme at Beith. Any re-instatement would depend on the Department's business needs in the longer term and would take account of the decisions on the future operation of the depot.The Ministry of Defence's Voluntary Early Release Scheme (VERS) closed on 31 March 2011. Applications under the scheme are still under consideration across the Department and, as a result, I cannot comment specifically on the position with respect to Beith. However, as my right hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Personnel Welfare and Veterans (Mr Robathan) stated in the answer given on 26 April 2011, Official Report, column 70W, to the right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy), when introducing the VERS we recognised the need to implement it in such a way as to retain critical skills. Location is also a factor in selecting individuals for release.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

56933; 529 c13-4W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

DM Beith

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk