HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 cc419-20
14. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the delays in the disposal of his Department's property and land in the town of Gibraltar; and whether he will expedite their sale so as to enable civilian development to continue.

The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. James Ramsden)

I am not aware of any avoidable delay in the disposal of War Department property and land in Gibraltar.

Mr. Jeger

Is not the hon. Member aware that the Gibraltar Town Council is anxious to push ahead with development—especially housing development—in this very limited space? Is he further aware that some years ago, as a result of a deputation from this House to Gibraltar, which reported on the situation, it was agreed that the War Office should dispose of its land in the centre of Gibraltar? What is holding up that disposal?

Mr. Ramsden

As my right hon. Friend explained in paragraph 16 of the Statement on Defence, we have come to the decision that it is no longer necessary continually to base large land forces in the Near East. This has meant a reappraisal of the situation in Gibraltar. In reply to the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, our plan is to dispose of much of our property and to rebuild on new sites towards the southern end of the Rock, thereby releasing land in the centre of Gibraltar, which corresponds to the local wishes. We expect to press on soon.

Mr. Jeger

Will the hon. Member take the local council into his full confidence in the reappraisal of the situation and in the development of future plans? That is one thing about which it complains.