The written Ministerial Statement included:
'RAF Lyneham is the preferred location for future Defence Technical Training. This confirms that the Department will withdraw from Arborfield, in Berkshire and Bordon, in Hampshire, releasing the sites for sale by 2014-15 at the latest. This announcement in no way threatens the existing Defence presence at St Athan.'
Lyneham, which was not available for consideration during the DTR process, was chosen as offering the best overall benefit against cost from 24 single, dual and multi-site options considered as potentially being suitable. Work has now begun on options for the most effective and efficient phased moves of Defence Technical Training to Lyneham, rationalising the estate whilst ensuring continuity of training. It is envisaged that an incremental approach will be adopted, delivering DTTCP in successive tranches of discrete, affordable projects, and in conjunction with industry where this delivers clear benefits. It should not be assumed that the approach envisaged under DTR would be adopted.
Each option and tranche will be subject to the usual detailed Departmental scrutiny and investment appraisal.
For now, training will continue to be delivered at current training locations, including Blandford, Cosford and HMS Sultan.
The full transcript of the oral statement can be found by following the link to the right of the page.
The Written Ministerial Statement can be found by following the link to the right of the page