Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Future Soldier Programme: Army Estate in Wales

Monday 10 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Ministry of Defence holds the freehold for the west camp land at MOD St Athan in Wales.
  • Future soldier programme will bring additional investment into the Army estate in Wales amounting to around 320 million.
  • The Minister will look into the proposal regarding a proper aquatic centre for the Special Boat Service and write to the Hon. Richard Drax.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alun Cairns Con
Defence Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about the future soldier reform programme and its effects on military personnel and bases in Wales.

Question

What assessment he has made of the impact of the future soldier programme of reform on the army estate in Wales. I associate myself with the comments made about our friend and colleague Jack Dromey. The Welsh Government's refusal to extend the lease of the land at MOD St Athan effectively blocked a new major military unit coming to St Athan.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The Ministry of Defence holds the freehold for the west camp land, which was not covered by the historic agreement made with the Welsh Government. West camp is MOD freehold and we will retain our forces there.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about reassurance to soldiers at west camp beyond stating MOD holds freehold

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Alun Cairns Con
Defence Wales
Context

The MP is concerned about the future soldier reform programme and its effects on military personnel and bases in Wales.

Question

What assessment he has made of the impact of the future soldier programme of reform on the army estate in Wales. I associate myself with the comments made about our friend and colleague Jack Dromey. The Welsh Government's refusal to extend the lease of the land at MOD St Athan effectively blocked a new major military unit coming to St Athan.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Future soldier is good news for Wales, bringing additional investment into the Army estate of around £320 million. Brecon barracks will be retained and a new reserve unit of the Royal Welsh will be established in Wrexham.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics about west camp reassurance and land rights beyond MOD freehold status

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Richard Drax Con
Defence
Context

The MP is concerned about the Special Boat Service (SBS) not having a proper aquatic centre for vital training.

Question

Will my hon. Friend the Minister tell me and the House when and if the Special Boat Service will get a proper aquatic centre to do vital training in?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I am aware of the discussions and the proposal but I am not in a position to give any detail at the moment. I will look into it and write to him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing or commitment regarding aquatic centre construction

How: I Am Not In A Position To Give Any Detail

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email