Central London Properties (Hansard, 17 June 1971)

§ 1. Mr. Tugendhat
asked the Minister of State for Defence when his Department will complete its study of its central London properties with a view to their redevelopment; and whether he will make a statement.

§ The Minister of State for Defence (Lord Balniel)
It is hoped that the study will be completed within the next twelve months. I shall inform my hon. Friend of the results of the study when they are known.

§ Mr. Tugendhat
Is my hon. Friend aware that the Department's determination to carry this study through for such a length of time is causing great hardship and concern in the City of Westminster, since it means that the Ministry of Defence site in Longmoore Street cannot be considered for a public baths and that houses in other parts of the site will have to be taken over by compulsory purchase, with all the human suffering and disagreeable consequences which that entails? Could he not make a special exception for this site, or hurry up his survey?

§ Lord Balniel
I fully appreciate the sense of urgency which my hon. Friend expresses in the interests of his constituents, but this is a comprehensive 613 study. Until the general study has been completed, it will not be known whether this site is required for units which are unable to find accommodation elsewhere.

§ Mr. Lipton
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a valuable site is being wasted at the Duke of York's in Chelsea and that I have three barracks in my constituency, at Minet Road, Flodden Road and King's Avenue which are not required for the defence of the Brixton division?

§ Lord Balniel
All of which emphasises the importance of a comprehensive, thorough and worth-while study being taken in this matter.

§ Mr. John Morris
Does the hon. Gentleman recall that, on 1st December, 1969, I announced the movement of 1,500 Army posts to Cardiff, and that the building would be erected between 1971 and 1974? Are these proposals still going ahead? Is there any change in them? Would the hon. Gentleman deny any suggestion that in any way there has been a slowing down of this proposal?

§ Lord Balniel
I am afraid that I do not recall that statement, but the Question refers to Longmoore Street in London. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to put down a Question about Cardiff, I will certainly try to answer it.