Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what consultation his Department undertook prior to the decision to close Invicta Park Barracks in Maidstone.

The "A Better Defence Estate" strategy was developed with Military advice from the Front Line Commands and was agreed by the single Service Chiefs and the Defence Board. Civilian HR representatives were also involved regarding impact for civilian staff. Initial discussions on the announcement were also held with Local Authorities immediately following the announcement and this will be followed up with more detailed discussions particularly concerning local planning issues.