§ 38. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for War what training and other use is to be made by the Army of the land, acquired in South Uist and Benbecula, for the now largely abandoned guided-missile range; when occupation of the site is to begin; for what periods; and by what numbers of troops and other personnel.
§ Mr. John HareAs my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence announced last week, the range will be used for the firing of surface-to-surface guided weapons. It is unlikely that preparatory work will be completed in time for the summer of 1958, but the range will come into use in 1959. About 250 troops will he in the camp in summer and a small maintenance party during the rest of the year.
§ Mr. MacMillanCan the right hon. Gentleman give an indication to the local authorities as soon as possible of the amount of civilian labour required and such things as that, and what constructional work is likely to start during the next two months, so that they can plan the return to normal civilian life of the area? We shall be very much obliged if he can do so?
§ Mr. HareI will certainly consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Air to ascertain how we can help in the way the hon. Gentleman suggests.