Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in identifying potential locations for a new 50,000 acre Army training area in Scotland.
§ Mr. FreemanThere is a significant shortfall of land for Army training within the United Kingdom. Our policy is to consider any suitable areas of land that may become available, in Scotland or elsewhere, particularly land near existing training areas. We expect to complete this year the purchase of some 3,600 acres to extend the existing training area at Garelochhead but no other specific areas in Scotland are under active consideration at present.