Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the current use of Ministry of Defence land on Rainham Marshes, Essex; and what future uses he has in mind.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe Ministry of Defence land-holding at Rainham Marshes, Essex totals 1,145 acres. Most of this area is taken up by the Purfleet Range complex, which consists of three 600-yard ranges, including an electric target range, and their associated danger 309W areas. As is the case with many Ministry of Defence land-holdings, a large proportion of the area, including part of the range area, is let for grazing. Some is also used under licence by the Port of London Authority for silt tipping, and for other purposes. Two hundred and thirty acres of the old Rainham Rifle Range are scheduled for disposal but, apart from this, no other changes in the use of the area are contemplated in the foreseeable future.