Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 November 2005. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 January 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Departmental Staff

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to relocate staff in his Department and related agencies into London and the south-east.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence is fully committed to relocating 3,900 posts out of the south-east under the Lyons review. All relocation proposals are judged on the basis of value for money as demonstrated in a business case. A proposed move into London or the south-east must therefore offer significant value for money, efficiency and business benefits.Currently the only confirmed move of posts into the south-east is a result of the collocation of the two existing RAF headquarters into a single integrated HQ at High Wycombe. This is an element of the Ministry of Defence's efficiency programme and will achieve significant manpower and financial savings, but will result in a net increase of 96 posts at High Wycombe.There are some other proposals which might entail a move of posts into the south-east, the business cases for which are at varied stages of consideration. As at 20 January, however, none have been approved.There are no confirmed or proposed relocations into London.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 441 c2124W; 31747
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Staff Greater London Government departments Location Ministry of Defence South East
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk