Written question asked by Syd Rapson (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 December 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 10 December 2001 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 future occupancy of Whale Island, Portsmouth, with special reference to the (a) Royal Marines and (b) Royal Marine Band.

Answer: Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future occupancy of Whale Island, Portsmouth, with special reference to the (a) Royal Marines and (b) Royal Marine Band. [21413] Mr. Ingram: The functions of the Headquarters Royal Marines, currently based on Whale Island, will be subsumed by the new, fully integrated Fleet Headquarters which will be formed in the Portsmouth area in April 2002. The headquarters is planned to occupy purpose- built accommodation on Whale Island from the end of 2003. The band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines will remain located in Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth. In addition, Whale Island will continue to be used as a site for Naval training.

Secondary information