Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Monday, 27 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 March 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 30 March 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 about the future of the Aldershot military garrison.

Answer: Mr. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what proposals he has for moving infantry units to the north of Scotland; [116781] (2) what plans he has to assess proposals for the closure of the Aldershot infantry base; [116784] (3) when Major General Anthony Palmer's report on location changes for Army units will be (a) published and (b) evaluated by Ministers. [116782] Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Aldershot military garrison. [116783] Mr. Spellar: An internal discussion document entitled, "The Strategic Development of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency" has been prepared by the Chief Executive of the Agency. The document does not address the location of trained units of the Field Army but rather outlines a possible future strategy for the Agency and covers training establishments only. The report constitutes internal discussion and advice and will not be published under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The work is at a very early stage and recommendations will not be made to Ministers until detailed staffing at an official level has taken place.

Secondary information