Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Angus Robertson Excerpts
Monday 4th July 2011

(12 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Liam Fox Portrait Dr Fox
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We are approaching the end point of that review, and it will certainly be in the next few weeks. There are a number of complex issues to sort out, as my right hon. Friend understands, not least how to go about setting a long-term budget that allows the MOD to plan with certainty. When we have finished those deliberations, we will make them known.

Angus Robertson Portrait Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP)
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The Secretary of State is aware that the decision on military basing is imminent and that an all-party submission has called for the retention of RAF Lossiemouth as an air base on defence and security grounds. He is also aware of the unique economic threat to the economy of Moray and the north of Scotland of a double base closure. Will he take this opportunity to say when he will make a statement to the House on the military basing review?

Liam Fox Portrait Dr Fox
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I fully understand all the hon. Gentleman’s arguments. As I have always said, we regard the military elements as having paramount importance, but we understand the other elements. Having taken a number of the key decisions over the weekend, I hope that we will make progress very shortly.