Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Clackmannan of 19 JulyOfficial Report, column 232, what are the restrictions on the nature and extent of the training which apply in the two areas referred to in his reply; for what purpose he acquired long term rights over the two areas referred to; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeubertThe following restrictions apply to the nature and extent of training on the two areas in question:
Forestry Commission Land in Galloway
Under the terms of the licence, use of the area is permitted for adventure training, map reading, orienteering and small scale escape and evasion exercises. There are limitations on the number of men permitted to use the area at any one time and all buildings, lochs, SSS1s, low lying land and fields containing crops and hay are out of bounds. There are also limitations on the use of blank ammunition and pyrotechnics. vehicles and helicopters.
British Aluminium Company Land at Kinlochleven
The majority of the area is not available to MOD between 1 August and 21 October. With certain exceptions vehicles are not permitted other than on public roads. The use of live ammunition is prohibited and training must not interfere with or cause damage to any hydraulic or factory installation nor interfere with the landlord's use for all normal estate, sporting, agricultural or silvicultural purposes.
We have acquired long-term rights over these two areas to secure the continuation of our present training activities.