HC Deb 27 March 1987 vol 113 cc288-9W
Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total size of Eastney barracks; what proportion of the site is open space; and how many (a) listed and (b) unlisted buildings it contains.

Mr. Freeman

Eastney barracks occupies a site of some 37 acres of which 14 acres is open space. Eastney playing fields occupy a further 21 acres of open space. The barracks area contains six listed and 51 unlisted buildings. In addition, some of the earth embankments and boundary walls are scheduled as ancient monuments.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if there is to be a continued Marine presence at Eastney barracks, Portsmouth;

(2) if he will make a statement about future provision for the groups and organisations using the Eastney barracks, Portsmouth;

(3) if he will make a statement about the future of the Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet Corps at Eastney barracks, Portsmouth.

Mr. Freeman

It remains our intention to dispose of at least the major part of the Royal Marine barracks at Eastney. Suitable provision will be made either at Eastney or elsewhere for the units currently using the buildings there.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what groups and organisations currently use Eastney barracks in Portsmouth.

Mr. Freeman

The following groups and organisations currently use Eastney barracks:

  1. (a) Headquarters Training Reserve and Special Forces Royal Marines;
  2. (b) A small secretariat responsible for administration of non-public funds within the Royal Marines;
    3. 289
  3. (c) The editor of the Royal Marines magazine, "Globe and Laurel", and his staff;
  4. (d) The Royal Marines museum;
  5. (e) The Royal Marines' historical archivist;
  6. (f) A small Royal Marines Reserve detachment;
  7. (g) A detachment of the Royal Marine Volunteer Cadet Corps;
  8. (h) An official of the Property Services Agency also has an office in the barracks.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to dispose of the Eastney barracks site, Portsmouth.

Mr. Freeman

It is the intention to proceed as quickly as possible with the disposal of the Eastney barracks site once the extent of any residual Royal Marines presence there has been determined. The future of the Eastney playing fields will depend upon the outcome of a separate study.

Mr. Hancock

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many houses and flats are in the Eastney barracks, Portsmouth; and when they are to be sold.

Mr. Freeman

There are four houses and 10 flats within the Royal Marine barracks, Eastney. Any decision on disposals would have to he taken in the light of the prevailing requirement for married quarters in the Portsmouth port area as a whole.