Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 17 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 13th November, 413 c433W, on infantry battalions, which army battalions have made representations to his Department in relation to the forthcoming Defence White Paper; pursuant to his Answer of 13th November, Official Report, column 433W, on infantry battalions, what discussions he has held with representatives of army infantry battalions prior to producing the Defence White Paper; pursuant to his Answer of 13th November, Official Report, column 433W, on infantry battalions, what assessment his Department has made of the financial effects of restructuring Scottish army battalions; pursuant to his Answer of 13th November, Official Report, column 433W, on infantry battalions, when he last held discussions with representatives of Scottish infantry battalions.

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answer of 13 November 2003, Official Report, column 433W, on infantry battalions, which army battalions have made representations to his Department in relation to the forthcoming Defence White Paper; [139935] (2) what discussions he has held with representatives of army infantry battalions prior to producing the Defence White Paper; [139936] (3) what assessment his Department has made of the financial effects of restructuring Scottish army battalions; [139937] (4) when he last held discussions with representatives of Scottish infantry battalions. [140018] Mr. Ingram: No discussions have been held with representatives of Army Infantry Battalions prior to producing the Defence White Paper; nor have discussions been held with representatives of Scottish Infantry Battalions. No assessment has been made of the financial benefits of restructuring Scottish Army Battalions. No Army Battalions have made direct representations to the Ministry of Defence in relation to the forthcoming Defence White Paper. Representations have, however, been received from representatives of Army Battalions, for instance, from individuals in regimental associations.

Secondary information