HC Deb 04 August 1971 vol 822 c1576
31. Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now order a public inquiry into the proposal to move the Shoeburyness Gun Range to West Freugh.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I am awaiting a fully detailed application for the development.

Mr. Brewis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since the experimental firing I have received 537 communications, all of which have been against this range, and that over 5,000 people have signed petitions against it? Will he order a public inquiry as soon as he possibly can?

Mr. Campbell

I, too, have received views expressed locally, both in favour of and against this suggestion. The Ministry of Defence has been holding initial consultations with the county council in an attempt to ensure that the proposed development will as far as possible accord with the planning of the area, but as this is a planning matter, or may become one, it would not be right for me to comment on the merits at this stage.