Scots regiments have been serving in Iraq

Geoff Hoon said no decisions had been taken on their future.

Mr Hoon was speaking in the Commons at the launch of the government's white paper which sets out the future of the armed forces.

Answering questions from Scottish MPs, Mr Hoon said no decision had been taken on the future make-up of Army regiments but that would come next year.

The minister said he would be willing to discuss the matter with all MPs.

New light brigade

Outlining the Defence White Paper, Mr Hoon said the Army needed to move to "a more appropriately balanced structure" of light, medium and heavy forces.

In the future the UK's Armed Forces would be expected to be able to deal with "multiple, concurrent small to medium sized" missions, he said.

The Army would establish a new light brigade, reducing the number of armoured brigades from three to two.

Critics have accused the government is simply trying to save money.

He fuelled speculation and has left Scottish soldiers in a continuing limbo by refusing to rule out the amalgamation or disbandment of any regiments Michael Moore Liberal Democrat MP

Scottish National Party defence spokesman Angus Robertson said he feared for Scotland's infantry regiments.

Mr Robertson said: "The minister failed to provide assurances that Scottish regiments will not be merged or disbanded, with decisions due in the New Year, and this will create further uncertainty and worry for many Scottish service personnel and their families."

Scottish Liberal Democrat member Michael Moore also voiced doubts.

He said: "The defence secretary had the opportunity to end months of damaging uncertainty over the future of the Scottish regiments.

"Instead he fuelled speculation and has left Scottish soldiers in a continuing limbo by refusing to rule out the amalgamation or disbandment of any regiments."

Last month newspaper reports suggested that The Royal Scots and the Black Watch could be wound up following the withdrawal of 9,000 troops from Northern Ireland in 2005.