Defence: Reform Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Defence: Reform

Lord Stirrup Excerpts
Monday 27th June 2011

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Astor of Hever Portrait Lord Astor of Hever
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My Lords, I am not aware that the noble Lord, Lord Levene, has made any comment about, as the noble Lord says, lavish residences. I have been to some of the lavish residences the noble Lord mentions and I can confirm that the chiefs use them in an important way for defence, particularly for defence diplomacy, which is a very important part of our objective at the moment.

Lord Stirrup Portrait Lord Stirrup
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My Lords, within the single service boards and the Defence Council, the single service chiefs are currently responsible directly to the Secretary of State for the efficiency, morale and fighting effectiveness of their services. Can the Minister confirm that this constitutional arrangement will be unaltered by what is proposed?

Lord Astor of Hever Portrait Lord Astor of Hever
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My Lords, I believe that it will be unaltered. We are looking into this issue at the moment, but I do not think there will be any change.