"Despite assurances I have had from Government Ministers, I am surprised to learn that the future use of Whittington Barracks is still uncertain" says Michael Fabricant.

In May, Michael tabled a Parliamentary Written Question to the Minister of Defence: "When he expects the Defence Medical Training Establishment to be operational at the Whittington Barracks near Lichfield; what assessment he has made of progress to date; and if he will make a statement".

"I was surprised by the reply" says Michael.

Minister of Defence, Derek Twigg, answered: "The Midland Medical Accommodation project is still in the assessment phase. It remains our intention to co-locate key elements of the Defence Medical Services at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield. As well as the Defence Medical Services Training Centre, these elements are likely to include the HQ of the Joint Medical Command, which has recently replaced the Defence Medical Education and Training Agency, and the new Strategic Medical HQ that is now being developed.

"We hope to reach a decision before the summer recess on the next steps in taking forward this project. I will write to the hon. Member when we have reached a decision."

Michael adds: "I had been lead to believe that all the decisions had been made and that Defence Medical Services would definitely be moving to Lichfield. While I am reassured that it is still the Government’s ‘intention’ to do this, I am rather worried to learn that the final decision is still in the ‘assessment phase’. I will keep up the pressure until they have reached a final decision. I know that Defence Lands are selling off property for development and I want to avoid that."