Written question asked by David Chaytor (Labour) on Monday, 8 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to relocate staff in (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. - (Holding answer 15 February 1999).

Answer: Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to relocate staff in (a) his Department and (b) the agencies for which he is responsible to the regions of the United Kingdom with the highest levels of unemployment; and what plans he has further to decentralise the location of his Department and its agencies. [70468] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 15 February 1999]: When considering sites for relocation of MOD and agency establishments, the Department's primary concerns are operational requirements and efficiency. Other considerations include local employment levels, geographic location and environmental impact. Currently, the MOD has sites UK-wide. As a result of the Strategic Defence Review, decisions are being made to relocate or collocate a wide range of MOD functions in order to make the Department more efficient. This process is ongoing.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 70468; 326 c657-8W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Executive agencies Civil servants Government departments Location Ministry of Defence