HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 cc407-8
3. Commander Pursey

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what consideration has been given to the development by the Admiralty of the frontages of the Royal Naval Barracks, "H.M.S. Vernon" and other naval establishments at Portsmouth or to leasing some of these frontages to private developers, to provide housing, office, shop and other accommodation.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing)

Discussions are proceeding between Portsmouth City Council and the Admiralty about plans to release 16 acres of land from the sites of Victoria and Duchess of Kent Barracks, comprising important frontages to Pembroke Road, Jubilee Terrace, King's Terrace and Alexandra Road.

Commander Pursey

When does the Admiralty propose to start the equivalent of the Government's policy of the greater use of Post Office sites, the British Transport Commission's policy of increased site utilisation, and the Minister of Housing and Local Government's policy announced today of the greater use of land, and so reduce its expenditure by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of pounds per year?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We are looking at these sites, and we are getting rid of any surplus land which we may still have. In this instance we are getting rid of frontages amounting to more than 500 yards, and later probably a further 330 yards. I think that this ought to be quite useful to the Portsmouth City Council.

Mr. Willis

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the initiative for this came from the Admiralty or from the Portsmouth City Council, and is the Admiralty really surveying this property with a view to seeing what is the best use that can be made of it?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Regarding the Duchess of Kent Barracks, I went there myself, and we have been negotiating for a long time with the Portsmouth City Council. I am unable to say where the initiative started, but both sides were anxious to come to some agreement such as I have announced.

Lieut.-Commander Maydon

Can my hon. Friend say whether frontages in Portsmouth or other naval ports have already been given up for these purposes?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I cannot answer that without notice. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will be kind enough to put down a Question.