§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the re-equipment of units with cross-country vehicles has increased the need for training areas; and what plans he has for acquiring such areas.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe re-equipment of units with tracked vehicles has had no substantial effect on the need for training areas in the United Kingdom. I have no plans for acquiring fresh areas for the units now stationed in this country.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to acquire more land for training of tracked vehicle drivers; and where such land will be.
§ Mr. ReynoldsEnough land is held for the number of tracked vehicles at present in the country.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the 1,400 acres of training land disposed of by his Department since October, 1964, included any which could be used by tracked vehicles; and where these acres were.
397W
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe largest areas were in Yorkshire, Hampshire, Norfolk and Westmorland. None were suitable for training with tracked vehicles.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many units equipped with how many tracked vehicles are at present stationed in the United Kingdom; and how this number compares with the number in March, 1965.
§ Mr. ReynoldsMarch, 1965:4 major units, other units, plus miscellaneous establishments; 423 tracked vehicles.
February, 1967:3 major units, other units, plus miscellaneous establishments; 327 vehicles.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Defence how much additional land released by the reorganisation of the Territorial Army has become available for manoeuvres by tracked vehicles since March, 1965.
§ Mr. ReynoldsNone.