Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what consultations his Department conducted before the decision was taken to reduce the size of the Ministry of Defence Police's officer complement; and if he will make a statement.

The safety and security of the defence estate continues to be of the utmost importance. There are many ways this is achieved, including the vital role provided by the Ministry of Defence Police.

Discussions are ongoing across the Department in order to ensure that our policing resources are deployed where they are most needed. We continue to fully safeguard all of our sites and would never contemplate changes that would place these in jeopardy. Consultation with the Defence Police Federation will take place in the normal manner.