We have had to make some difficult decisions to reduce the size of the Defence estate in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. Whilst basing decisions are based entirely on military requirement after considered assessment and scrutiny, it is recognised that the impact of site closures will be felt beyond the Defence community and notification of decisions at the earliest possible opportunity is helpful. Procedurally, a Ministerial submission is required for site closure decisions and includes draft letters to the relevant constituency MP (and Secretary of State where applicable) to inform them. Recommendations to inform ministers and/or representatives from the Devolved Administrations are also routinely included. More generally all Ministerial submissions include a mandatory section on devolution related issues (which if applicable is completed) so that the devolved interests are taken into account.