Kennedy pushes for answers over future of Rona Ranges (Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Liberal Democrats)

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Liberal Democrats <fionambuchanan56@yahoo.co.uk>

Kennedy pushes for answers over future of Rona Ranges

July 14, 2009 1:06 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Ross, Skye & Lochaber MP Charles Kennedy is pushing for clarity over the future of the Ministry of Defence's underwater testing ranges which are run by private defence contractor QinetiQ from Kyle of Lochalsh.

The facility uses sites on the island of Rona, north of Raasay, and on the Applecross peninsula to carry out sophisticated testing on submarines and other underwater devices.

Under controversial plans unveiled last month, it is likely that the ranges will be reduced to a single manned site at Kyle from 2012, with the loss of about 20 jobs out of a total staff of approximately 120.

Mr Kennedy sought to raise the issue during Defence Questions in the House of Commons yesterday, but received a written answer to his question today after his question appeared too far down the order paper to be taken in the allotted time.

Commenting, Mr Kennedy said:

"News of substantial job losses during a recession is a major concern for any small community. Although plans do not appear to be as clear-cut for the underwater testing centre as for the QinetiQ facilities in the Western Isles, it is vital that clarity is obtained about the timescale for decision-making and the consultation process which has been promised.

"Ministers must not hide behind the fact that the ranges are now run by a private contractor. They do absolutely critical work solely for the Ministry of Defence, and have done for many years.

"The MoD has an important duty to employees and to the community which has accommodated and contributed to its work. There is need for much greater detail on what is proposed, so that the case for job losses can be fully examined, and their impact considered.

"I will be pursuing this matter further in correspondence, and would be pleased to hear from constituents who could be affected. I hope the Government will commit to be fully involved throughout the process."

Notes:

o A written answer to Mr Kennedy's question on the Raasay Ranges was published today in Hansard:

Mr. Charles Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the contribution towards UK defence requirements of his Department's facilities at Kyle of Lochalsh and the surrounding area; and if he will make a statement. [285635]

Mr. Quentin Davies: The maritime ranges in the area around Kyle of Lochalsh make a valuable contribution to UK defence capabilities. However, work by QinetiQ, which operates the ranges on our behalf, shows that the service could be delivered more efficiently by centralising range control at a single base at Kyle of Lochalsh. We are investigating separately whether this change could be combined with an enhancement to range capability.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090713/text/90713w0004.htm#0907135000046