§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the announcement made by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency on 23 January on the rationalisation of land ranges in the United Kingdom. [26120]
§ Mr. SpellarThe rationalisation of the land ranges operated by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency announced on 23 January is the outcome of the second stage of a review to address the problems of overcapacity and underutilisation. Subject to consultation with Trade Unions and MOD customers, the main changes proposed are that Pendine and Shoeburyness ranges would be70W maintained for access to their unique facilities on a trials campaign only basis, and as much work as possible would be undertaken at Eskmeals.