MINISTER CHALLENGED ON FUTURE OF DENISON BARRACKS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 1st Mar 2004

David Rendel MP intervened in Defence Questions in the House of Commons today to challenge the Minister on the future of the Denison Barracks in Hermitage.

Following confirmation from the Minister that the matter was still under review, Mr Rendel pointed out that rumours were flying around the constituency about possible future uses of the site.

Commenting, Mr Rendel said:

"Local people are concerned about the future of Denison barracks if a decision is made to close them.

"The Minister wrote to me in August 2003 saying that he expected the review to be completed by the end of February. That deadline has passed without a word.

"That is why I pressed the Minister today to make his decision as soon as possible, so that we have a clear idea about what is going to happen."

ENDS