Defence Estate 2021-02-01
2021-02-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the efficient use of defence assets.
What steps his Department is taking to make the most effective use of the defence estate. My constituents are very proud of the role RAF Linton-on-Ouse has had in the defence of our realm, all the way from the second world war to the current day—or near to it. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on any other potential purposeful military uses he has for the base?
We are taking several steps to ensure that we are using the estate in a most effective way. They include updating our infrastructure strategy plans; implementing an asset management system across the estate; and increasing investment in the estate to implement the defence estate optimisation portfolio, reducing our footprint and modernising our infrastructure. At the urging of my hon. Friend—the RAF have been in the process of drawing the base down—we did look at exploring other military uses for that base, but at the moment no long-term military requirement has been identified. Defence is therefore completing the final assessment, with disposal details to be announced in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific future military use of RAF Linton-on-Ouse was provided despite the question asking for one
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the role RAF Linton-on-Ouse has played in defence history.
My constituents are very proud of the role RAF Linton-on-Ouse has had in the defence of our realm, all the way from the second world war to the current day—or near to it. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on any other potential purposeful military uses he has for the base?
At the urging of my hon. Friend—the RAF have been in the process of drawing the base down—we did look at exploring other military uses for that base, but at the moment no long-term military requirement has been identified. Defence is therefore completing the final assessment, with disposal details to be announced in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
No long-term military requirement was identified despite the question asking for one
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about potential financial burdens on the taxpayer from defence estate closures.
May I join the Secretary of State in sending our best wishes to Sir Tom for a speedy recovery? It is a well-known fact that in the 21st century we need to modernise our defence estates to compete, given changing world needs. The Government have announced the closure of 90 sites across the country, so will the Secretary of State update this House as to how his Department aims to ensure that the British taxpayer is not left paying huge rents on a great number of empty properties, as has already happened, when these sites are closed? How many of these defence estate sites will be affected by the Crichel Down rule?
The defence estate optimisation programme was and is planned to unlock £1.4 billion, to be reinvested in an overall plan of a £5.1 billion investment in the defence estate across the board, helping soldiers, sailors and air force personnel with better quality accommodation and a better training estate. Some of the PFI schemes introduced under his Government lay a heavy burden on the defence budget. We are both examining and negotiating on a number of those areas to try to reduce the overall burden on the taxpayer.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plan was provided for preventing financial burdens from empty properties post-closure or exact numbers affected by Crichel Down rule
Response accuracy