THE closure of Portsmouth naval base would lead to 11,300 civilian jobs being lost across Hampshire, according to a new report.

A Ministry of Defence review is currently considering the future of Britain's three main naval bases - Portsmouth, Plymouth Devonport and Faslane in Scotland.

The new report, commissioned by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Portsmouth City Council, shows that 13,300 service personnel and 21,600 civilians rely on the base for employment.

These jobs account for eight per cent of all jobs in the region and for the employment of six per cent of people in the area.

The research, carried out by the University of Portsmouth, also shows that the base and associated defence-related industries are worth £680m to the region's economy each year.

It was also found that most service personnel and civilians affected would relocate to the West Country leading to 10,300 naval job losses and 11,300 civilian job losses in the Hampshire region.

The report also finds that there would be a hugely negative effect on both tourism and other firms in the "defence supply chain".

Key catalyst James Brathwaite, SEEDA's chairman, said: "This report visibly demonstrates that the benefits for accelerating economic growth and prosperity throughout Hampshire by retaining the base are powerfully compelling.

"The naval base is a key catalyst for both promoting greater innovation through new research and development opportunities throughout Hampshire in the critical marine and defence sectors and, crucially, for the strengthening of a vibrant and thriving sub-regional supply chain of around 750 companies.

"Importantly, the naval base does not conduct its operations in isolation. It is an active and valued partner for businesses, for the local community and economy and for the 35,000 jobs all linked to the future of the base."

Peter Viggers, Conservative MP for Gosport, said: "The base plays a vital role in the economy of the local area and in the wider south east region."

Last month Prime Minister Tony Blair hailed the "vital" role played by Portsmouth Naval Base but Defence Secretary Des Browne later said there were no guarantees for its future.