HC Deb 14 January 1971 vol 809 cc241-2
16. Mr. Costain

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether the review of surplus land requirements at Shorncliffe has been completed; and when he proposes to make a statement.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The land requirements of the Ministry of Defence in the Shorncliffe area will be considered in the course of the forthcoming general review of Defence land holdings. It will be some time before the conclusions reached on Shorncliffe can be made known.

Mr. Costain

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that indecision on the Channel Tunnel project is causing a great shortage of vacant land for industrial and commercial purposes? Will my hon. Friend bear this matter in mind and try to obtain the earliest possible decision?

Mr. Gilmour

Yes. Of course, the Channel Tunnel is nothing to do with me. I realise that speed is necessary, but it is impossible to deal with Shorncliffe in isolation from the rest of the land holdings of the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. Evelyn King

In that general review which is taking place, which presumably includes Dorset lands, is there any representation on the Committee of civilian as well as of defence interests?

Mr. Gilmour

Dorset is included. There will be representation of civilian interests. My noble Friend will be answering a Question on this matter later today.