Oral Answers to Questions

Michael Dugher Excerpts

Monday 8th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Nick Harvey]

I am happy to give my hon. Friend the assurance that he seeks. I echo his comments about the outstanding support and friendship that the German people have given our forces over many decades. We recognise that the decision has significant implications for them. We will consult closely the German authorities at all levels as our plans develop.

[Michael Dugher (Barnsley East) (Lab)]

In his statement to the House on 19 October, the Prime Minister said that changes in the Ministry of Defence would save £4.7 billion and that that would be

“made easier by the return of the Army from Germany.”—[Official Report, 19 October 2010; Vol. 516, c. 798.]

However, the Minister stated in a written answer on 27 October that it is

“too early to say what the financial impact will be”.—[Official Report, 27 October 2010; Vol. 517, c. 369W.]

Given that confusion, will he tell us whether there will be early cash savings or, in fact, significant early costs associated with the move?

[Nick Harvey]

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to the Dispatch Box in his new role and congratulate him on his appointment. Work is in hand to start on a detailed rebasing plan. He is right to assume that moving troops back from Germany will involve an initial up-front cost, but it is important to stress that big savings will be made in the long term, because there are implicitly high costs involved in maintaining troops in Germany, and the operational rationale for their being there ceased long ago.