Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 May 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 May 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what arrangements he has made to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Army Medal Office at Droitwich Spa in the period before its planned closure; if he will ensure the Army Medal Office at Droitwich Spa is able to (a) purchase equipment and (b) recruit staff in the period before the planned closure. - Inc ref to 13 May 2004, 421 c556W.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what arrangements he has made to ensure the continued efficient operation of the Army Medal Office at Droitwich Spa in the period before its planned closure; [175005] (2) if he will ensure the Army Medal Office at Droitwich Spa is able to (a) purchase equipment and (b) recruit staff in the period before the planned closure. [175006] Mr. Caplin: As I said in my answer of 13 May 2004, Official Report, column 556W, the phased closure of the Army Medal Office is part of a risk reduction strategy aimed at minimising disruption to medal service delivery. The work currently in hand to support that strategy includes an analysis of the benefits for service delivery of early equipment purchase and staff recruitment either at Droitwich or at Innsworth. Where such action is cost-effective, to assist in the smooth transfer of responsibilities and reduce the impact on service delivery, it will be done.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 421 c1613-4W; 175005;175006
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Army Closures Medals Military decorations Offices Army Medal Office Droitwich Spa
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk