Land

HC Deb 20 November 1973 vol 864 cc1115-6

13. Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department following the publication of the Nugent Report recommending 31,000 acres of Ministry of Defence land for release.

Mr. Blaker

As announced in the explanatory memorandum published with the committee's report, we have allowed a period for public comment and discussion on its recommendations. We have already received a substantial number of representations, which will be taken carefully into account before final decisions are made. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 16th October, we hope to make an announcement early in the New Year.—[Vol. 861, c. 27–28.]

Mr. Chapman

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. But does he not think that the Government could make a statement very shortly saying that they will restore public access to those parts of the 31,000 acres where the public enjoyed a right of access before the lands were acquired by the Ministry of Defence, particularly the 16 miles of coastline included in the 31,000 acres?

Mr. Blaker

I do not think that it would be right to deal with the committee's recommendations piecemeal, especially when we have set aside time for views from the public to be submitted. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 16th October that action on the coastline is already in hand.

Mr. Maclennan

Is the Minister aware that local opinion has trumpeted its opposition to the proposed transfer of a gunnery range from Shoeburyness to the Dornoch Firth? Will he bear in mind that since the Nugent Committee reported there have been considerable industrial developments in that area, which make the proposal completely out of date and one to be rejected?

Mr. Blaker

Representations have been received from groups in that area, and they will be borne in mind, along with other views.

Miss Quennell

What guarantee can my hon. Friend give that when former gunnery ranges are released disinfestation of all explosive objects has been carried out?

Mr. Blaker

The removal of dangerous objects will undoubtedly be a long and difficult process.

Mr. John

Does the Minister accept that the Nugent Committee proposed to transfer the gunnery range to Castle-martin without the public of that place having had an opportunity to give evidence to the committee of their opposition to the proposal? Will he now secure that the public has a right at a public inquiry to give evidence before a final decision is taken?

Mr. Blaker

With regard to a public inquiry, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales said in answer to Questions recently. It is evident from the committee's report that it listened to many views from people in the area concerned, and a deputation from Castlemartin was received recently in my Department.