HC Deb 13 February 1996 vol 271 c491W
Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to find alternative uses for the Army apprentices college, Harrogate,(a) within his Department, (b) in conjunction with other Government Departments and (c) by selling the property on the open market. [14143]

Mr. Soames

Since the announcement in December 1992 of the decision to close the Army apprentices college, Harrogate, my Department has considered the property for a number of other defence uses, none of which was found to be suitable. While the scope for alternative defence use is still being explored, we have, in parallel, conducted a without commitment "Expressions of Interest" advertising campaign through consultants to identify possible commercial interest in the site. The results of this advertising campaign are being assessed. A regular dialogue is maintained with the Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside.