Written question asked by Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 21 December 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for the rationalisation of Royal Navy training facilities; and if he will make a statement; what plans he has for the amalgamation of Royal Navy shore establishments; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 15 December 2000).

Answer: Mr. Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for the rationalisation of Royal Navy training facilities; and if he will make a statement; [143042] (2) what plans he has for the amalgamation of Royal Navy shore establishments; and if he will make a statement. [143043] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 15 December 2000]: The Royal Navy's Special Communications Unit (SCU) at Leydene will close in 2001 and its activities will transfer to HMS Collingwood. A number of other reviews are in hand which may result in the amalgamation of RN shore establishments, but no decisions have yet been taken. The Royal Navy has completed a comprehensive study of its training estate to identify the estate necessary for training beyond 2010. The study will be considered along with the findings of the Defence Training Review and no decisions have yet been taken.

Secondary information