---

Defence Intelligence Staff Estate

This statement follows on from that made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 3 July 2006, (Official Report, column 28WS) which covered the intent to close RAF Brampton. Once DE&S units have vacated the site, the Programme to Rationalise and Integrate the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) Estate (PRIDE) will relocate those remaining to RAF Wyton. The programme’s aim is to collocate a number of Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) departments to one state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility at RAF Wyton. New service accommodation will be constructed at RAF Wyton in order to accommodate those moving to the base. In order to maximise the benefits of DIS co-location at RAF Wyton, PRIDE increment two will move the Joint Aeronautical and Geospatial Organisation headquarters and elements of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) currently based at Hermitage, West Berkshire, to join the Intelligence Collection group headquarters and Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre at RAF Wyton. The Royal School of Military Survey, currently at Hermitage, will assimilate with other training elements at the DIS site at Chicksands. Our intention is that these moves will lead to the disposal of the Hermitage site, subject to continued value for money being proven. The move will directly result in the loss of approximately 30 posts currently based at Hermitage, mostly in the support roles. MOD will work to minimise the impact to those affected by providing all the help it can, relocating personnel and avoiding compulsory redundancies where possible.