§ 3.4 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can add to the information previously given in regard to the number of Servicemen likely to be stationed in Benbecula and South Uist in connection with the proposed guided missile range.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, when your Lordships debated this subject on October 27, last year, I said that most of the Servicemen would be housed in Benbecula and only a few near the range-head on South Uist. It is now possible to be a little more specific about our requirements. It is still planned to house on Benbecula most of the Servicemen connected with the Hebrides Guided Weapons Establishment. The total strength on Benbecula will probably be over 2,000, including the airfield staff, the fighter squadron, and the men under training at the rangehead on South Uist, but the number of permanent staff likely to be required for operational, technical, administrative and other duties at the rangehead now seems likely to be about 600.
In these circumstances, it is clearly desirable from the operational and administrative point of view that these men should not be brought in every day from Benbecula but that they and their wives and families should be housed as near as possible to their work. A site for their accommodation on South Uist will be sought which will affect the crofting communities as little as possible. The north end of Loch Bee seems to be the most 1116 convenient locality, but the site will need to be surveyed and discussed with the county council and others concerned before a final decision is made. A new road will probably be constructed between the site and the rangehead and the main island road.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg to thank the noble Lord for his Answer. May I ask him whether he is aware that this latest and, in all the circumstances, unexpected information will be received with deep disappointment in many quarters? With regard to the promise in the Answer which he has just given—namely, that a site for the accommodation of the permanent rangehead staff on South Uist will be sought which will affect the crofting community as little as possible—may I ask whether, bearing in mind particularly the largely increased numbers over the original estimates, he can assure the House that the authorities on the island will have continuing regard to the safeguarding, so far as possible, of the elements of Gaelic culture and archæology and of the rare bird life on the island?
§ LORD CARRINGTONYes, my Lords.