Written question asked by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 20 July 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the closure of HMS `Cambridge'. - INc ref to 351 c338W, 8 June 2000.

Answer: Mr. Caplin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the closure of HMS Cambridge. [132232] Mr. Spellar: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 8 June 2000, Official Report, column 338W, to the hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith). The investment appraisal concluded that the establishment's residual training activities could be delivered more cost-effectively elsewhere and the matter was subject to a period of formal consultation with the MOD trade unions. No representations have been received and consultation on this matter is now complete. I have, therefore, endorsed the proposal that HMS Cambridge should close and that plans for decommissioning and site vacation should proceed accordingly. Consultation will continue on matters affecting staff.

Secondary information