HC Deb 14 January 1986 vol 89 cc916-7
16. Mr. Andrew MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on disposal of Ministry of Defence land.

Mr. Lee

It is the policy of the Ministry of Defence to dispose of land and buildings which are no longer required for defence purposes. Since 1979 the estate has been reduced by almost 28,000 acres.

Mr. MacKay

While I congratulate my hon. Friend on that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that many of us who represent constituencies in the south-east of England will welcome a further disposal of surplus defence land, which will reduce the pressure for housing development land in open countryside in our areas?

Mr. Lee

While I understand my hon. Friend's point, the fact is that, because of our expansion of the Territorial Army and of the cadet forces, together with the development of longer-range weaponry, we are looking to add to the training land for the Army. Obviously, however, when suitable opportunities arise—[Interruption.]—we shall continue to dispose of land.

Mr. Speaker

Order. These are important questions.