HC Deb 17 March 1981 vol 1 c186
5. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Ministry of Defence establishment at Shoeburyness.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Philip Goodhart)

There is a long-terrn requirement for the proof and experimental establishment at Shoeburyness to continue with its present defence functions.

Mr. Taylor

Does the Minister agree that the Shoeburyness ranges are a unique facility in the United Kingdom? Is it the Government's intention that Shoeburyness should have an important and continuing role in the United Kingdom's defence provision?

Mr. Goodhart

That is most certainly so. Our present plans are to spend £¾ million on new facilities in 1981–82.